Independence Medal (Lithuania)


In Lithuania, the Independence Medal is a state medal of Lithuania, awarded for the contributions in the restoration of the independence of the state. The medal had two issues.

1928 issue

The medal was awarded to persons "for contributions to the re-establishment and strengthening of the independence of Lithuania in 1919-1928"
The medal was issued commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Republic. It was designed by sculptor Juozas Zikaras.
The awardee categories included:
riflemen and persons who had joined the public service in the early days of independence.
During 1928-1940, over 44 thousand of Lithuanian citizens and foreign nationals were awarded the medal. It was a historical analogue of the 1928 issue.

2000 issue

The medal was awarded to persons "for distinction in the cause of restoration and consolidation of the Independent State of Lithuania during the period from 1990 to 2000"
The medal was reestablished on July 1, 2000 and discontinued on March 1, 2001.
On the reverse of the reinstated medal the original dates “1918-1928” were replaced with “1990-2000”.
The awardee categories included:
On July 1, 2000, the medal was issued to about 300 persons.