Vilnius, 28 April 2010. On Wednesday the project of the outstanding sculptor Tadas Gutauskas to commemorate the twenty years of restoration of the Statehood of Lithuania was introduced in Vilnius – the sculpture “The Road of Freedom” to be erected at the place where the legendary Baltic Way passed through the City.

The Project idea evolved from reflecting on contemporary apathy, pessimism and confrontation. “The Road of Freedom” is a commemoration of the fight for independence and a symbol of freedom and unity for future generations. It reminds us of the ideas of unity which helped Lithuania to gain its freedom”, – says the author of the idea T. Gutauskas.

The sculpture is symbolic of the live chain of people who, more than 20 years ago, joined hands and connected the three Baltic States who were striving for independence. The chain stretched a length of over 600 kilometres and became an expression of solidarity without comparison anywhere in the world.

This sculpture, just like “The Baltic Way” created unanimously by the Lithuanian people 21 years ago, is a collective creation – everyone can contribute to the Project and get a special brick from which the sculpture will be erected. Each brick will be the in the colours of the Lithuanian flag and the first name and surname of the person who has contributed to the sculpture will be stamped on each brick.

Upon approval of Vilnius City Urban Development Department the sculpture will be erected at the crossroads of Konstitucijos Avenue and Geležinio vilko Streets near the traffic circle. On 20 January 2010 by decision of the Government the Project “The Road of Freedom” was included in the plan of events to commemorate the restoration of the statehood of Lithuania eligible for financing and patronage for the Project has been provided by the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO.

The opening of “The Road of Freedom” is planned for23 August on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of “The Baltic Way”.