![25 year anniversary of the Lithuanian National Defense Volunteer Force 25 year anniversary of the Lithuanian National Defense Volunteer Force](https://lithuaniatribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/6467070-678x381.jpg)
A solemn line-up of troops is planned at the Independence Square in front of the parliament building in Vilnius at noon.
In the afternoon, commanders of the volunteer forces of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will sign the annual cooperation plan that envisages joint participation in combat training events, as well as sports activities.
After the Soviet Union’s attempt to overthrow Lithuania’s legitimate administration in early 1991, the country’s Supreme Council on Jan. 17 adopted a law on establishment of the Volunteer National Defense Force. The law formalized and legalized the volunteer formations that already existed and allowed appointment of top commanders and form further units.
Currently, the volunteer force includes around 4,900 volunteer troops, i.e., recruits who signed volunteer contracts and serving in non-permanent service.
Any citizen of Lithuania between ages of 18 and 50 are eligible to join the volunteer force.
In an effort to consolidate Lithuania’s defense capacities, seven companies were restored in the 2016-2017 period, namely, in Šalčininkai, Biržai, Kalvarija, Klaipėda, Raseiniai, Naujoji Akmenė and Kaišiadorys.