The Lithuanian military was recreated by the order of the then Prime Minister Augustinas Voldemaras in 1918. The fledgling armed forces were then thrust into clashes against Bolshevik Russia, the Bermont-Avalov forces (known as Bermontininkai in Lithuania) and Poland. Despite not managing to retain all Lithuanian territory, state sovereignty was safeguarded.
The modern Lithuanian military was reformed in 1990 after decades of Soviet occupation. It is comprised of land, air, naval and special operations forces, totalling 20 thousand troops. Given global geopolitical tensions, in recent years, mandatory military service has been reinstated.
For the occasion, the Vytautas Didysis War Museum will be open free of charge. The main event will be a military parade to be held on Saturday noon in Vilnius, going through Constitution Avenue.
The parade will feature two recently purchased Lithuanian Boxer AFVs, as well as Allied military hardware.
Traffic restrictions are in place in and around Constitution Avenue for Friday and Saturday due to the movement of military equipment.