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J. Basanavičius Square and the "To the Nation and Language" Monument

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On September 6, 2009, the impressive "To the Nation, Language. Celebrating the Millennium of the Name of Lithuania 1009–2009" monument was unveiled at J. Basanavičius Square in Marijampolė. This monument symbolizes a significant moment in Lithuanian history and is designed to commemorate the millennium of the name of Lithuania. Although a "Freedom" statue was planned for Marijampolė during the interwar period, this idea was not realized. With the approach of the millennium of the Lithuanian name, the concept was revived. The monument was created by sculptor Kęstutis Balčiūnas and reaches nearly 20 meters in height and weighs 300 tons. It is made of pink granite and stainless steel. The square-based monument is adorned with bas-reliefs that represent important historical and cultural moments: the first bas-relief bears the inscription

"To the Nation, Language. Celebrating the Millennium of the Name of Lithuania 1009–2009"; the second depicts the Krivis at an altar and oak tree, with a stone inscribed with runes nearby; the third bas-relief honors Martynas Mažvydas and the introduction of the first Lithuanian book; the fourth is dedicated to the father of the language, Jonas Jablonskis, and the words of Mikalojus Daukša's Postil. The four corners of the monument's base symbolize the four regions of Lithuania. The upward spiraling column represents the difficult path of survival for the Lithuanian people. At the top of the column, a silver-shining rider on a horse symbolizes the nation's vitality and its continuous path into the future. The horse reflects the nation's vitality, while the rider with a spear represents the nation's struggle, words, and perseverance.

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2025-11-17

J. Basanavičius Square and the "To the Nation and Language" Monument

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