Volodymyr Lytvyn: Monument to Taras Shevchenko in Vilnius is a Symbol of Ukrainian-Lithuanian Common History and Common Destiny - a Symbol of our Bright Future
03 September 2011, 15:34
Volodymyr Lytvyn: Monument to Taras Shevchenko in Vilnius is a Symbol of Ukrainian-Lithuanian Common History and Common Destiny a Symbol of our Bright Future
On Saturday, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Lytvyn took part in the opening of the monument to T.H.Shevchenko in Vilnius.
Speaking at the
ceremony, he named this event symbolic and special, and thanked all donators to
the construction of the monument to T.H.Shevchenko
in the
old town of Vilnius.
V.Lytvyn reminded that it was here in Vilnius that back in autumn of 1829 Taras Shevchenko had started his ascent to the lifetime glory. The Head of the Parliament stressed, "It is here that Shevchenko perceived himself as an artist and a citizen." "It is here that the sacred fire of his talent kindled, being later inspired by Ukrainian land," he stated. "It is here that he fell in love for the first time and understood the importance of everyone´s right to be free and realize oneself." And it is here that, according to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, that he realized the necessity to struggle for freedom.
V.Lytvyn stated that living far away from Vilnius, T.H.Shevchenko recalled its university, churches, castles, and people who discovered his talent. "The world values the Kobzar, so I am happy that the monument to Taras Shevchenko was erected in Vilnius," he stated. "I suppose it confirms the fact that we will live in a free and new family, as Shevchenko dreamed, but in a wider sense in a free and new European family."
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed that the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Vilnius is a symbol of Ukrainian-Lithuanian common history and common destiny a symbol of our bright future.
Speaker of the Seimas Irena Degutienė greeted the guests with the holiday. She is satisfied with the fact that ten years after the idea to erect the monument appeared, and owing to the common efforts of the Lithuanian Embassy in Ukraine, Ukrainian Embassy in Lithuania, politicians, and Ukrainian community in Lithuania, the monument was finally opened.
According to Ms. Degutienė, T.Shevchenko who spent his prime years in Vilnius teaches us "to create, write and live." "This person is a bridge across our nations, a bridge into our future," she stated. "Both Ukrainians and Lithuanians love T.Shevchenko."
V.Lytvyn met Vilnius mayor Arturas Zuokas.
Sculptor Vitalii Andriyanov who created the monument to the Kobzar received a certificate of acknowledgement from Vilnius mayor Arturas Zuokas. Vilnius mayor also conferred the certificate of acknowledgement on the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Lithuania, and incumbent Secretary General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Secretariate V.Zaichuk.
Speaker of the Seimas Irena Degutienė, representatives of the Seimas, Vilnius mayor Arturas Zuokas, Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania V.Zhovtenko, Ambassador of Lithuania to Ukraine P. Vaitiekūnas, Secretary General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Secretariate V.Zaichuk, Sculptor V.Andriyanov, head of the Ukrainian community in Vilnius, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Lithuania, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuanian Republic, and others attended the ceremony.
V.Lytvyn laid flowers to the monument on behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.