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Lithuanian Men in the Forced Soviet Army

The History of Compulsory Military Service

The Wind of Freedom

The Reform Movement of Lithuania that began in 1987 was of a paramount importance to the compulsory service of Lithuanian men in the occupier’s military units of the USSR.

At the rallies and demonstrations and in the statements and declarations, the patriotic movements such as Lithuanian Liberty League, Young Lithuania and Ženeva 49 demanded the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, addressed the need for the occupant Russian army to withdraw from the Fatherland, and launched a signature collection campaign against the illegal presence of the foreign troops as well as against the compulsory conscription of the men of the annexed country, which violated the international law. After taking over this initiative, the Reform Movement of Lithuania collected 1,650,000 signatures. Lithuanian men began deserting from the occupier’s army and went into hiding.

A march, organised by Lithuania’s patriotic parties and movements, to the rally, held in Vilnius’ Kalnų Park. The 17th anniversary of the self-immolation of Romas Kalanta is commemorated, as well as the deporations of Lithuanians, and protests are held against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania, the presence of foreign troops, and the forced service of men in them.
Vilnius, the 14th of May, 1989. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A rally organised by Lithuanian patriotic parties and movements in Vilnius’ Kalnų Park. The 17th anniversary of the self-immolation of Romas Kalanta is commemorated, as well as the deporations of Lithuanians, and protests are held against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania, the presence of foreign troops, and the forced service of men in them.
Vilnius, the 14th of May, 1989. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A march to the rally organised by Lithuanian patriotic parties and movements. The criminal Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact is commemorated, and the protests are made against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania and the attempts to legitimise it, and the presence of the foreign troops.
Vilnius, the 23rd of August, 1989. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A march, organised by Lithuania’s patriotic parties and movements. The protest against the ongoing occupatin of Lithuania and the forced conscription of Lithuanians into the Soviet Army.
Vilnius, the 20th of October, 1989. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A march, organised by Lithuania’s patriotic parties and movements. The protest against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania and the forced conscription of Lithuanians into the Soviet Army. Young people carrying a banner that reads: “I will not serve in the occupier’s army”.
Vilnius, the 20th of October, 1989. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A rally, organised by Lithuanian patriotic parties and movements in front of Republic Library (now Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania). The protests against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania, the presence of foreign troops, compulsory service, and repressions.
Vilnius, the 26th of April, 1990. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A Soviet military ID burning campaign, organised by Lithuanian patriotic parties and movements at Republic Library (now Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania). The protests against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania, the presence of foreign troops, compulsory service of Lithuanian men, and repressions
Vilnius, the 26th of April, 1990. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A rally, organised by Lithuanian patriotic parties and movements, in front of the Republic Library (now Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania). A dummy of a Soviet soldier is being burned in protest against the occupying USSR army, the forced service of men, and the repressions.
Vilnius, the 26th of April, 1990. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A rally, organised by Lithuanian patriotic parties and movements in front of Republic Library (now Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania). The protests against the ongoing occupation of Lithuania, the presence of foreign troops, compulsory service, and repressions.
Vilnius, the 26th of April, 1990. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
A march, organised by Lithuania’s patriotic parties and movements. The protests against the presence of foreign troops and attempts to legitimise the occupation of Lithuania.
Vilnius, 1989–1990. Photo by Andrius Petrulevičius
Personal archive of A. Petrulevičius
The beginning of withdrawal of the troops of the former USSR from the territory of the Republic of Lithuania. Lithuanian children seeing off the army with Lithuanian flags.
Zarasai District, the 3rd of March, 1992. Photo by Romas Jurgaitis
Personal archive of R. Jurgaitis
The beginning of withdrawal of the troops of the former USSR from the territory of the Republic of Lithuania. The first column of 36 military vehicles that moved from Visoriai military unit on Molėtų Plentas.
Molėtai District, the 3rd of March, 1992. Photo author unknown
Personal archive of R. Jurgaitis
Departure of the troops of former USSR from Visoriai military base.
Vilnius, the 3rd of March, 1992. Photo by Romas Jurgaitis
Personal archive of R. Jurgaitis