On July 1, as Canada celebrates its birthday, the 152nd anniversary of the founding of the confederation, Vilnius City Hall is lit up in the colors of the Canadian flag.

The Municipality of Vilnius and the Lithuanian Embassy in Canada initially welcomed Canadians who came to visit and live in Lithuania.

“We greatly appreciate the partnership between Canada and Lithuania: Canada has always been with us, believed in our freedom and never recognized the occupation of our country. This year, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Minaichi Declaration, we received a symbolic gift. very beautiful gesture: on February 16, Niagara Falls was illuminated in the colors of the Lithuanian tricolor. On Canada's birthday, citizens of Vilnius congratulate all friends of Canada and Canadians living and working in the capital; “Today, a huge Canadian gesture The flag shines on one of the most important buildings in the city, the city hall. Today we celebrate with our friends from Canada”, congratulated the mayor of the capital, Remigio Šimašius.

Canada became the second homeland for tens of thousands of Lithuanians who moved west due to the Soviet occupation of Lithuania and never recognized Lithuania's membership in the Soviet Union. Ties between the two nations remain strong: Canada is a loyal partner of Lithuania. NATO and Canadian soldiers deployed in Latvia also guarantee Lithuania's security.

Toronto, one of Canada's largest cities, became home to thousands of Lithuanians fleeing Soviet occupation. In the city there are also several buildings with Lithuanian names, the Lithuanian center “Anapilis” operates, there is the Lithuanian center at St. John's Cemetery, a Lithuanian park has been created. In addition to all this, in the skyscraper on Bloor Street West you can also see the pillars of Gediminas and the inscription “Vilnius Manor” – this is a boarding house where Lithuanian emigrants of age live respectable. Vilnius and Toronto, Canada's largest city, are officially cooperating cities.

Interesting fact: the city of Vilnius with 249 inhabitants is located in the province of Alberta, Canada. The colony was founded in 1907, mainly by immigrants from Central Europe, and in 1920 it was named Vilnia – in honor of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, similar to Vilnius in the state of Ontario.