Lithuanian Charter

Translation by Laurynas Vismanas The Lithuanian American Community Inc. is founded on the principles set forth in the 1949 Lithuanian Charter of the Supreme Committee for the Liberation of Lithuania, urging every Lithuanian to preserve and promulgate his or her cultural heritage, language and traditions and “…to preserve the existence of the Lithuanian nation” for future generations. Strengthened by the age old struggle to live freely and independently in the land of their ancestors, the Lithuanian nation resolutely strives to preserve, maintain and promulgate its existence, its language, and its ethnic and national traditions, contributing to the advancement of all peoples, thus fulfilling the will of the Almighty and the destiny of free individuals. In the name of the eternal aspirations of the Lithuanian nation, we declare this Lithuanian Charter. 1. A nation is the natural community of individuals. No one can be forced to cut this bond against his or her will. Lithuanians scattered throughout the world make up one unified World Lithuanian Community. 2. An individual has the innate right to freely recognize and cultivate his or her heritage. A Lithuanian remains a Lithuanian everywhere and always. The existence of the Lithuanian nation preserved by previous generations is passed on to future generations, so that it will live forever. 3. Language is the strongest bond of a community. The Lithuanian language is a great honor to a Lithuanian. 4. Family is the foundation of a nation. A Lithuanian creates a Lithuanian family. 5. National culture is the path to international recognition and interaction. Revealing the genius of a nation, a national culture adds its unique contribution to the accomplishments of all peoples. It is the duty of every Lithuanian to create the conditions for the promulgation of Lithuanian culture. 6. The nation state is the ultimate organization of a community. National independence is a necessary condition for the preservation and development of national culture. By work, education, finance and dedication, a Lithuanian struggles to defend and preserve an independent Lithuanian state. 7. The hearth of national spirit (patriotism) is the school. It is the most noble of obligations for every Lithuanian to support Lithuanian education. 8. Associations and societies are the operative supporters of ethnic culture. A Lithuanian establishes and supports religious, cultural, youth, mutual aid, professional and other organizations 9. Our parents’ struggles and sacrifices for the printed Lithuanian word is a testimantal obligation to all generations of the Lithuanian nation.A Lithuanian organizaes and supports the printed Lithuanian word. 10. The history of a nation is its greatest teacher. A Lithuanian honors his or her nation’s past and national customs. A Lithuanian attempts to be worthy of of his or her ancestors, so as to leave a respectful pride to subsequent generations. 11. National solidarity is the ultimate national moral. A Lithuanian cultivates national solidarity. All Lithuanians are equal children of the same nation, brothers and sisters among themselves. As a symbol of http://lithuanian-american.org