The 25th class of graduates has become officers

On July 26, Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, commissioned 41 cadets in Simono Daukanto Square, Vilnius. The 25th class of 40 male and 1 female graduates took an oath to loyally serve Lithuania and defend its freedom and independence.

 

The commissioning ceremony was honoured by the presence of the members of the Seimas and Government of the Republic of Lithuania, authorities of the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania and Lithuanian Armed Forces, former commandants of the Military Academy of Lithuania, foreign defence attachés, graduates’ relatives and other guests.

 

According to the annual tradition, the best graduate is awarded for the greatest achievements. This year, the award went to Ignas Petrauskas for an excellent commander-leader example, professional skills and pursuit of his aim to serve faithfully Lithuania. As a symbol of honour, Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis awarded the best graduate a souvenir sword, whereas Canberra Lithuanian Community Association gave Ignas Petrauskas a cash prize.

 

After the ceremony, the newly-commissioned lieutenants received their Bachelor’s degree diplomas (International Relations, Management of Defence and Security Institutions and Management of Modern Defence Technologies) and certificates of the Infantry Platoon Commander Qualification (39 cadets) and Basic Air Force Officer Training Programme (2 cadets) at the Military Academy of Lithuania.

 

The two Navy cadets undertook Master’s degree study programme Aircraft Piloting at Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University) and Basic Air Force Officer Training Programme at the Military Academy of Lithuania.

 

To continue the graduation tradition, the 25th class of graduates planted an oak tree in the courtyard of the Military Academy of Lithuania.