President Honors Those Lost at Sea

Lithuania marked a solemn tradition by honoring those who have been lost at sea in a ceremony held on the Baltic Sea. The event, which included a flyover by Romanian fighter jets conducting NATO's air policing mission in the Baltics, underscored the nation's deep connection to its maritime history and the sacrifices made by its seafarers.

A significant part of the commemoration involved lowering wreaths from the Lithuanian Navy's patrol vessel 'Skalvis' into the Baltic Sea. This act paid tribute to individuals who dedicated their lives to promoting Lithuania's maritime reputation, establishing the foundations of a maritime state, and preserving the country's seafaring history. A minute of silence was observed, a tradition that originated in 1934 as part of the Sea Festival.

Wreaths were laid from numerous entities, including the Office of the President, the Government, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Transport, the Lithuanian Armed Forces, foreign embassies, the Klaipėda City Municipality, the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, and various universities. This widespread participation highlighted a collective national remembrance of those who never returned from the sea.