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On February 16, Lithuanian Consul General in Los Angeles, Sandra Brikaitė, attended the Lithuanian State Restoration Day celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the event, she officially introduced Suzanne Lowden as the new Lithuanian Honorary Vice Consul in Las Vegas.

In her welcoming speech, S. Brikaitė highlighted the persistence of the Lithuanian people in their quest to restore and maintain their country’s independence over the past century and today. She noted, “It took us 35 years to achieve full economic and energy independence from russia. On February 9, we fully disconnected from the russian BRELL power grid and synchronized with continental Europe grids. The significance of this event is much greater than just a technical disconnection; it is another day of our independence!”

S. Brikaitė also remarked on the symbolic nature of opening a new honorary vice consulate on Lithuanian State Restoration Day. She expressed her pleasure that Lithuania now has two honorary consular officers in Nevada and thanked the current honorary consul, Astra Michels, for her many years of ongoing dedicated service.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, who warmly recalled her visit to Lithuania. She wished Lithuania prosperity and freedom and extended her best wishes to Honorary Consul A. Michels and Vice Consul S. Lowden in their efforts to strengthen ties between Lithuania and Las Vegas.

The celebration featured a musical performance by Grammy Award-winning jazz composer and performer of Lithuanian descent, Nicole Zuraitis, and her band. Guests enjoyed her award-winning songs during the event.

The task of the Honorary Vice Consulate – to strengthen bilateral relations between Lithuania and Nevada, promote economic and cultural cooperation, and raise awareness of Lithuania in the state and the city of Las Vegas. Honorary Vice Consulate is not entitled to provide consular services; for these, individuals will need to contact the Lithuanian Consulates General in the United States or the Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Photo: Darren Hardy