Madison-Vilnius Sister Cities, Inc.

After over a hundred year lasting oppression, Lithuania gained its independence back on February 16th, 1918. Every year Lithuanians celebrate this cheerful holiday.

To commemorate this day, Madison-Vilnius Sister Cities have organized informative presentation describing Lithuania's struggle to independence.

On Thursday, February 22nd, 2007, about 30 people gathered at the main branch of Madison Public Library to commemorate Lithuania’s independence. The evening started with great refreshments – Rokiškio cheese, sausage, pumpernickel bread from Racine Bakery (Chicago), šakotis, and gira (Lithuanian-style rootbear). Mary Wasiliweski gave a very nice and interesting presentation about landscapes of Lithuania. She visited Lithuania in the summer of 2004 and presented to us what and how she saw Lithuania. At the end of her presentation, Mary said that Lithuania is an addictive country (in a good sense) – you go once and you want to go back again. After Mary’s talk, Milda Aksamitauskas had a quiz about Lithuanian national costumes. Those who answered questions correctly got a Lithuanian Sostinės chocolate bar or a magnet with Lithuania’s map.

Our speaker holds a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and is currently completing her master of science in Landscape Architecture at the UW-Madison. As she is graduating this year we want to extend our best wishes to her. Mary's background is 1/2 Polish, and 1/2 Lithuanian, and she was brought up quite aware of her ancestral heritage. During her final year at Illinois, a traveling fellowship was offered to a graduating senior to complete independent research and study of the landscape outside of the United States. Already aware of the history of the Hill of Crosses, Mary knew there had to be other landscapes in Lithuania that also were in some way altered or destroyed by imposing powers. She received the Ryerson Traveling Fellowship, and traveled to Lithuania to see the spirit of the country.

Our speaker, Mary Wasilewski.

President of MVSC.

Audience.