The President and the First Lady met with the Lithuanian community in New York

On Wednesday evening, President Gitanas Nausėda and First Lady Diana Nausėdienė visited the headquarters of the Lithuanian Alliance of America (LAA) in New York, where they met with members of the Lithuanian community and took part in the ceremonial unveiling of the historic LAA flag.

The President expressed his delight at visiting the historic building, which has been the heart of Lithuanian activities for more than a century: "For almost 140 years, the LAA and the Lithuanian National Foundation have been guardians of Lithuanian identity in America. Your efforts to preserve our heritage and promote Lithuanian history and culture are invaluable," said the President.

Speaking about the community's contribution, the President expressed his gratitude for preserving Lithuanian identity, maintaining the Maspeth Church and the LAA building, and for the community's active civic role. The President placed special emphasis on the support of New York Lithuanian community for Ukraine: "The donation collected by the community in December 2024 is an impressive sign of solidarity. We must continue to rally support for Ukraine in its struggle, in its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and in the reconstruction of the country. Ukraine's victory is our common security," said the President.

The President also encouraged the diaspora to actively join the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union in the U.S. and contribute to strengthening national defense. He also invited young people to take advantage of academic and professional opportunities in Lithuania. "I am glad to see that more and more young people are discovering Lithuania, and for five years now the number of those returning has exceeded the number of those leaving. Returning can mean not only living in Lithuania, but also investing, studying, or engaging in cultural projects," said the President.

Mrs. Nausėdienė emphasized the importance of the connection between different generations of émigrés. "Back in the Soviet era, we were fascinated to hear how Lithuanians in the U.S. were fighting for the freedom of their homeland - knocking on the doors of Congress members, issuing declarations, and fostering their Lithuanian identity. Now, the LAA flag represents all of our efforts to preserve Lithuania and build a strong homeland. Without you, without the entire Lithuanian diaspora, Lithuania would be smaller. But by standing together and supporting one another, we are stronger and invincible," said the First Lady.

Mrs. Nausėdienė also expressed her personal gratitude to all those who contribute to the preservation and strengthening of Lithuanian identity.

"Thank you for what you have done over the years - for preserving the LAA, for safeguarding the harbors of Lithuanian identity, for creating new Lithuanian islands, and for passing on the Lithuanian language, dance and culture to the younger generation," said the First Lady of Lithuania.