Lithuania to bury first independent prime minister Prunskienė in state funeral

Lithuania is preparing to bid farewell to Kazimira Prunskienė, the nation's first prime minister following its declaration of independence. The state funeral, scheduled to take place in Vilnius, will feature a solemn farewell ceremony starting in the morning, followed by a guard of honor at noon. Religious rites will precede a procession to Antakalnis Cemetery, where Prunskienė will be laid to rest in the Hill of Signatories.

At the gravesite, farewell speeches will be delivered, and a minute of silence will honor the late prime minister. The ceremony will conclude with the lowering of the urn, three rifle volleys, and the singing of the Lithuanian national anthem. The state flag will be formally presented to Prunskienė's family during the service.

Kazimira Prunskienė, a signatory of the Act of Independence, passed away at the age of 84. She began her active political career in 1988. In February 2012, she suffered a stroke, after which she withdrew from public life in Lithuania.