On March 4–5, KFF’s New York office director, Neila Baumilienė, and Vilnius office director, Domantė Howes, participated in events and meetings in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence:

• March 4 – At the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C., they joined the Lithuanian community and distinguished guests, including Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas, Chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee Remigijus Motuzas, Deputy Chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chairman of the Seimas National Security and Defense Committee Giedrimas Jeglinskas, and Deputy Chairman of the Seimas National Security and Defense Committee Laurynas Kasčiūnas. The discussions focused on Lithuania’s foreign policy and defense priorities, the strengthening of transatlantic relations, and geopolitical challenges and opportunities for Lithuania.

The event also featured the opening of the Vytautas the Great Riflemen’s Union photography exhibition “From Generation to Generation. The Rifleman – A Nation’s Warrior!”, dedicated to honoring Vladys Putvinskis-Putvis, the founder of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.

• March 5 – Kazickas Family Foundation representatives attended the official 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence at the Library of Congress, where Lithuania’s Minister of National Defense and a delegation from the Lithuanian Parliament were among the honored guests.
• In addition, on March 5, they visited the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), where they presented the Kazickas family history and the Foundation’s activities. They met with ISW executives Billy J. Wade and David Osborne, who shared insights into the institute’s work, supporters, and partnerships. Opportunities for future collaboration were discussed to support democracy, security, and education initiatives.

These days were filled with meaningful discussions and new opportunities for collaboration in strengthening Lithuania’s legacy and future.