Mourning and Hope Day
June 14, Saturday
Historical context
* On the night of June 13–14, 1941, the first mass deportation of Lithuanian residents began after the Soviet occupation in 1940
* Around 18,000 people were deported in a matter of days
* Deportations were carried out without trial, often targeting entire families, including women, children, and the elderly
* Men were frequently separated from their families and sent to GULAG camps
* Many of those deported died en route or in exile due to harsh conditions
Why “day of mourning and hope”?
* "Mourning" symbolizes the pain and loss caused by mass repression and the tragic fate of thousands of Lithuanians
* "Hope" reflects the desire for freedom, the restoration of independence, and the preservation of the memory of the victims
How is the day observed?
* National flags are flown with black ribbons
* Commemorative ceremonies take place at memorials and monuments dedicated to the deportation victims
* Moments of silence are observed in government institutions and schools
* Public events, concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs are organized
* Documentaries and TV programs about the repressions are broadcast
* People take part in remembrance marches and light candles at train stations where deportations began
Significance for Lithuanian society
* The Day of Mourning and Hope plays an important role in strengthening national memory
* It reminds Lithuanians of the price paid for independence
* It serves as a warning against totalitarian regimes and violence against citizens
Connection with other remembrance dates
* On August 23, Lithuania also observes the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
* These dates form the foundation of collective memory of the tragic events of the 20th century related to occupation and repression