Vilnius unveils memorial plaques for prominent Lithuanian figures

Vilnius has unveiled five new memorial plaques to honor distinguished Lithuanian personalities. These plaques serve to preserve the city's memory and recognize individuals whose work significantly contributed to Lithuania's freedom, culture, and humanitarian values.

The newly honored figures include Kazimieras Motieka, a signatory of Lithuania's Act of Independence and a lawyer; Antanas Terleckas, a resistance fighter, political prisoner, and founder of the Lithuanian Freedom League; poet Alfonsas Nykas-Niliūnas; Jadvyga Bieliauskienė, a participant in the resistance against Soviet occupation and a fighter for religious freedom; and the Danielius and Marija Jurkus family, recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for saving Jews during World War II.

The plaques are located at specific sites significant to the individuals' lives. Kazimieras Motieka's plaque is on the building where he lived from 2009 to 2021. Antanas Terleckas' plaque marks the location where he was arrested by Soviet security in 1957. Alfonsas Nykas-Niliūnas is commemorated on the house where he resided between 1941 and 1944. The Jurkus family plaque is at the site of their former home, where they sheltered Jews during the war. Jadvyga Bieliauskienė is honored on a plaque at Antakalnio g. 43.

Each memorial is equipped with a QR code that directs users to the "Vilniaus DNR" portal. This digital platform offers more in-depth information about the commemorated individuals, their connections to Vilnius, and additional historical materials such as maps, photographs, and street histories.