US Praises Valdas Adamkus Ahead of His 100th Birthday

Valdas Adamkus, a prominent figure in Lithuanian politics and former president, is being celebrated as he approaches his 100th birthday, with particular praise coming from the United States for his significant contributions to Lithuania's post-independence era.

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The way he represented Lithuania abroad was something new, and it was very important.

Adamkus, who spent a substantial part of his life in Chicago, leading the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 5th regional office from 1981 to 1997, is remembered by some Lithuanian-Americans for his environmental work, with claims that he cleaned Lake Michigan. His background in the U.S. was seen as a critical asset when he first ran for president in 1998, with critics at the time questioning his Lithuanian roots, yet supporters argued that Lithuania needed a leader with his international experience to guide the nation toward European Union and NATO membership.

His tenure as president coincided with Lithuania's accession to the EU and NATO in 2004, a milestone achieved during his first five-year term. Filmmaker Audronė Bielinienė highlighted the impact of Adamkus's American perspective on the global political stage, stating, "The way he represented Lithuania abroad was something new, and it was very important." This unique approach, combined with his leadership, is credited with significantly shaping Lithuania's international standing during a pivotal period.

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He is still the most popular and most trusted political figure in Lithuania. And his authority and moral leadership are associated not only with a successful political career but also with his demeanor, attitude, and principles. He managed to show this in a very familiar, direct, and open way.

Historian and Vilnius University Rector Professor Rimvydas Petrauskas emphasized Adamkus's suitability for Lithuania during its recovery from decades of Soviet occupation. He noted that Adamkus was the right person to lead the country through its challenging transition to a free market economy and a democratic political system. Professor Petrauskas further described Adamkus as the most popular and trusted political figure in Lithuania, whose authority stems not only from his political career but also from his personal conduct, attitude, and principles, which he conveyed in a relatable and open manner.

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I was constantly thinking about it. I had the opportunity to personally address representatives of the highest government circles, and my connections with the Congressional delegation were indeed very close.

Born Valdemaras Adamkevičius in Kaunas in 1926, Adamkus fled Lithuania during World War II and emigrated to the U.S. in 1949. He built a career in engineering in Chicago before entering public service. Despite becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, he maintained strong ties to his homeland, actively participating in émigré organizations. His positions in the U.S. government allowed him to advocate for Lithuania's independence, engaging directly with high-ranking officials and congressional delegations. Reflecting on his first visit to Lithuania in 1972 after over two decades abroad, Adamkus recalled being deeply affected by the hardships faced by Lithuanians due to Soviet repression.

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In meetings with U.S. presidents, we didn't just talk about environmental protection. When the president asked 'How is Lithuania doing?', I had the opportunity to tell him. And these were indeed opportunities to discuss these issues.