The monument dedicated to those who fought and died for Lithuania’s independence in 1920 is a symbol of the nation’s struggle for freedom. This memorial honors those who gave their lives defending an independent Lithuania and serves as a reminder of the battles and sacrifices necessary for the country to become a sovereign state.

Between 1919 and 1920, the newly forming Lithuanian army had to fight against three hostile forces to preserve Lithuania’s freedom and territorial integrity. Lithuania repelled the Bolshevik Russian offensive, later resisted the hostile military actions of the Bermontians, and opposed Polish attempts to annex Lithuanian territory to the reestablished Polish state.

From October 3 to 5, 1920, the Battle of Varėna I took place between Lithuanian and Polish forces near Varėna. During the interwar period, about 1.5 km west of Varėna I, near the 4th kilometer of the Varėna–Babriškės road, a monument was erected by teacher and rifleman Andrius Ryliškis in memory of those who fought and died for Lithuanian independence in 1920.

Source and photo: visitvarena.lt