2 July 2010, the ceremony of initial officer rank commission to the graduates of the Military Academy took place on the Square of Simonas Daukantas. Dalia Grybauskaite, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, commissioned to the rank of Second Lieutenant 42 graduates of the Military academy and one graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

“To dedicate every day of your service “For the Sake of Motherland” is an enormous obligation. It will not be only your job, but all your life, your mission. For this you will devote more than receive – yourself, your time, talents, stamina and energy”, said the President of Lithuania addressing the lieutenants who had sworn oath of allegiance to their country.

On celebration of the day the young officers were also congratulated by Minister of National Defence Rasa Jukneviciene, Lithuanian Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, and Commandant of the Academy Col. Gintaras Bagdonas. Defence Attachés of foreign countries, members of Seimas and Government of the Republic of Lithuania, high command of the Ministry National Defence and Armed Forces, honourable retired and reserve officers as well as relatives and other guests participated in the solemn officer swearing-in ceremony. The graduates received blessing from Bishop Eugenijus Bartulis, Ordinary of Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Following traditions, Minister of National Defence Rasa Jukneviciene presented a souvenir sword as a token of honour to the best graduate. This year Algirdas Navasaitis became the one. “The acknowledgement shows to me personally that all these years I was on the right track lead by right virtues. Yes, this will really demand of me to try harder, behave as a proper example to my colleagues, disseminate and foster such officer values as honour, conscience, and love to my Homeland”, said the best graduate.

It is already years since the best graduate of the Military Academy has been awarded a nominal donation by Australian Lithuanian Community in Canberra. It was Algirdas Navasaitis who received it this year.

 Photo by Kestutis Dijokas