Seattle Lithuanians walk to remember January 13th, 1991

            A small but hardy group of Seattle-area Lithuanians gathered in freezing rain at 1:00pm on Sunday, January 12 in Green Lake Park, Seattle to remember and honor the thirteen Lithuanian men and one woman who lost their lives on January 13, 1991 defending Lithuanian freedom. Danielle DeBray, a Board member of the Lithuanian-American Community of Washington State, recounted the events of January 12-13 when Soviet tanks attacked those standing guard outside the Vilnius TV Tower. Thousands of unarmed Lithuanians had gathered next to the TV Tower, the Lithuanian Radio and Television Building, and the Seimas Building to demonstrate to the Soviets and to the rest of the world their rejection of Soviet oppression and desire for an independent Lithuania. Dainius Vaicekonis, LACWA Board member, recalled his overwhelming feelings that night as he stood outside the Seimas Building, hoping for the first time in his life to live in freedom. After the presentations, the group adorned in yellow, green, and red hats and scarves and holding Lithuanian flags, sang the national hymn. Some, further braving the cold, walked the nearly three-mile path around the lake waving their flags, and explaining their purpose to curious onlookers.