The Baltic Way – 670 Kilometers of Unity for Freedom

Marking 35 Years Since the Baltic Way: A Historic Stand for Independence

The Baltic Way was one of the most significant historical events in the history of the Baltic states, influencing the restoration of independence for the Republic of Lithuania. This peaceful political demonstration took place on August 23, 1989, on the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (the non-aggression treaty between Germany and the USSR with secret protocols that divided Europe between Germany and the USSR). About two million people joined hands to form a human chain stretching 670 kilometers across the Baltic States from Vilnius through Riga to Tallinn, affirming their unity in the quest for freedom and protesting against the Secret Protocols and the annulment of Baltic independence. The event was organized by the Lithuanian Reform Movement and Estonia’s and Latvia’s People’s Fronts.

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Details
Event Date	The Baltic Way happened on August 23, 1989.
Anniversary	2024 marks 35 years since the Baltic Way.
Human Chain Length	The chain stretched 670 kilometers, connecting Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.
Different Names	The Baltic Way is known by several names: in Lithuanian, it’s “Baltijos kelias”; in Latvian, it’s “Baltijas ceļš”; and in Estonian, it’s “Balti kett.” It is also referred to as the “Baltic Chain” or “Chain of Freedom.”
Participants	Nearly two million people from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia took part.
Why It Matters	It was a peaceful protest against Soviet control, pushing for Baltic independence.
Who Organized It	Organized by the Lithuanian Reform Movement and the People’s Fronts of Estonia and Latvia.
Global Support	Support rallies were held worldwide, in cities like Berlin, Paris, and Moscow.
Impact on Freedom	The Baltic Way helped Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia move toward independence.
Importance to Lithuanian National Guard	The event stands for unity and freedom, key values for the Lithuanian National Guard.
Significance for the Diaspora	It strengthened ties between the Baltic States and their diaspora, boosting support for independence.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the Occupation of the Baltic States

In 1940, the Soviet Union occupied the Baltic States following a secret agreement signed with Nazi Germany on August 23, 1939, in Moscow. This document, known as the Hitler-Stalin Pact or the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, named after the foreign ministers of the USSR and Germany, Vyacheslav Molotov and Joachim von Ribbentrop, respectively. By the late 1980s, the consequences of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact were still profoundly felt in the Baltic States. The occupation continued, and the USSR denied the existence of the pact, continuously asserting that the Baltic States had joined the Soviet Union voluntarily.

The Idea and Organization of the Baltic Way

In 1988, national movements began in the Baltic States: Sąjūdis in Lithuania, the Popular Front in Latvia, and Rahvarinne in Estonia. These movements aimed to publicly express their disapproval of the Soviet occupation and their desire for independence. In the summer of 1989, they conceived the idea of organizing a massive action that would draw global attention to the Baltic States’ aspiration to break free from the Soviet Union.

From May 14-15, 1989, the Baltic Assembly took place in Tallinn, where the Council of the Estonian People’s Front, the Congress of the Latvian People’s Front, and the Seimas of the Lithuanian Reform Movement issued significant declarations emphasizing the importance of culture and declaring natural and inalienable rightsof the Baltic people, as the right to live in their historic teritory free form occupation by foreign regime.

On July 15, 1989, representatives of the liberation movements of the three Baltic nations gathered in Pärnu, Estonia, and decided to organize a joint solidarity action – the Baltic Way – a live human chain connecting Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. This plan was ratified by the Baltic Council, which met in Cēsis, Latvia, on August 12, 1989, and later officially approved by the Vilnius Sąjūdis Assembly on August 23, 1989, which detailed the “Philosophy of the Baltic Way.”

On the evening of August 23, 1989, at 7 pm. approximately two and half million people from the Baltic States joined hands to form a human chain from the Gediminas Tower in Vilnius through major cities and landmarks, ending at the Hermann Tower in Tallinn. This path symbolically separated the Baltic States from the Soviet Union, expressing the people’s desire to be free, demanding the public recognition of the secret protocol, and restoring the independence of the Baltic States. The route was marked by black mourning ribbons and lit candles, a reminder of the sacrifices and deep losses endured. Baltic Way was accompanied by rallies before and after the event.

Support for the Baltic Way in Other Countries

Solidarity rallies for the Baltic Way took place in Berlin, Paris, Leningrad, Moscow, Ternopil (Ukraine), Novosibirsk, Melbourne, Stockholm, Tbilisi, Toronto, and other locations worldwide. These events included document exhibitions, concerts, rallies, and other activities to support the Baltic States and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. In Russia, police brutality occurred during these rallies, with beatings, arrests, and the confiscation of Baltic national flags.

During the World Youth Congress in Paris, Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians organized a march from the Arc de Triomphe to the Liberty Monument, joined by representatives from Poland, Romania, Hungary, the United States, several free European and some Asian countries.

Threats from the USSR

On August 26, a statement from the Central Committee of the USSR broadcasted on Moscow television harshly criticized the situation in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, interpreting the mass action on August 23rd as an attempt to incite the peoples of the Baltic republics to secede from the Soviet Union.

Circumstances Surrounding the Baltic Way

Since their incorporation into the USSR in 1940, the residents of the Baltic States lived under the dictatorship of the Communist Party, where freedom of thought and speech was not guaranteed. Starting in 1986, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union initiated a policy of openness concerning environmental issues and Stalinist crimes. Community organizations formed and increasingly openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the current situation.

The Baltic Way was the largest and most significant action expressing the Baltic States’ aspirations for independence, but it was not the first. It all started from individual protests demanding freedom for the Soviet-occupied countries. Over the years, numerous protests and demonstrations took place, culminating in the Baltic Way, which not only forced the USSR to acknowledge the existence and annul the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact but also showcased the political maturity of the three Baltic nations and the organizational ability of the Lithuanian Reform Movement, the Estonian Popular Front, and the Latvian Popular Front. This event was a supreme demonstration of national solidarity and significantly impacted the eventual restoration of independence for Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

The Baltic Way significantly accelerated the quest for independence among the Baltic nations. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania’s Supreme Council declared the restoration of its independence. Latvia and Estonia soon followed, with Latvia declaring independence on May 4, 1990, and Estonia on August 20, 1991. These events provoked a strong reaction from the Soviet Union. In January 1991, Soviet military and special forces staged assaults in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. Despite the use of Soviet force, the Baltic countries stood firm and ultimately regained full independence following the failed coup in Moscow in August 1991.

Legacy of the Baltic Way Today

35 years after the Baltic Way, the event remains a vivid memory in the minds of the Baltic people. Commemorations occur every year on August 23 in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and among the diaspora. This day serves as an opportunity to remember not only the Baltic Way itself but also the long struggle for independence that these nations endured.

• Baltic Way Commemoration in Chicago 2024 (August 25, 2025)

35th Anniversary Commemorations in the Diaspora

The 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way will be observed on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 2 PM in Maggie Daley Plaza, located at 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601. The Baltic Way Chicago 2024 event is organized by several Lithuanian institutions, including the Lithuanian Foundation Inc., Lithuanian American Community, Lithuanian Research Institute, Lithuanian National Guard, National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame, Marikos Lithuanian Council, Lithuanian University Women’s Association, and others.

The Baltic Way and the Importance of this Event for the Lithuanian Diaspora

The diaspora of the Lithuanian people has always played a very significant role in Lithuania’s independence fight. For decades, citizens of the three Baltic states nurtured a dream that their native countries would recover independence. The support that diaspora communities gave to the citizens in their quest was inspired and reinforced by the Baltic Way. This critical moment also further solidified the relations between the Baltic countries and their diasporas, making them try hard as seekers of freedom. After 1989, the Lithuanian diaspora started getting involved in the international information providing process, substantiating the foreign governments and societies with relevant data on the independence seeking of the Baltic nations. Many diaspora organizations have played an important role in creating awareness about the fight of the Baltic States to the global community. The Baltic Way was deeply covered in the diaspora press and supported by a host of other solidarity actions conducted all over the globe. They also began to organize several activities that aimed to garner monetary contributions and support from around the world in backing their freedom struggles. These attempts laid the foundation for greater international support for the independence of the Baltic states.

* * *

The Baltic Way remains among the most outstanding events of the late 20th century, a symbol of unity and all the nations’ will toward freedom. This peaceful demonstration not only helped the states of the Baltic region gain their independence but also motivated many other people all over the world to strive for it. The Baltic Way is a living example that peaceful resistance, unity, and courage can change the course of history. For the people of the diaspora, the Baltic Way is not only a symbol, but it also has a very real, unbroken tie to their homelands and for their unity with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the ongoing struggle for freedom. The Baltic Way is a source of inspiration for reminding us that freedom is something not given; it should be fought for, cherished, and protected.

A Call to Action

Let us draw inspiration from The Baltic Way to continue advocating for freedom, cultural identity, justice, and unity in our own time.
Here is how you can do it:

• Join Our Organization: Become a part of the Lithuanian National Guard. Help us lead the way in cultural preservation and community service.
• Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Stay informed about upcoming events and the latest community news.
• Join Our Events: Your participation strengthens our cause, whether it’s a cultural festival, a language class, or a public discussion.
• Donate: Your contributions support the planning and executing events that enrich our community.

Resources

• 101 Key Facts About Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Way
• The Nonviolence Project
• Human Chain Linking Three States
• Chain Of The Baltic Way
• Longest Unbroken Human Chain