
WEEKLY VISIT TO THE MUSEUM
WEEK #9
March 3, 2021
Lithuanian patriotic and political buttons

A selection of buttons calling for freedom for Lithuania
Buttons calling for freedom for Lithuania and celebrating Lithuanian pride and unity
In the late 1980s and into 1990, the situation in the Soviet Union was changing drastically. Gorbachev’s glasnost was not staving off the desire of conquered nations to be free. Lithuania and the other Baltic countries were pushing hard, singing loudly, and the world was listening.
In the U.S., Lithuanian Americans held vigils, marches, and protests in many cities and even on the steps of the U.S. capitol. Waving flags, speaking and singing, the Lithuanian Americans also wore badges created to magnify the reasons for their activity. On almost every badge “Freedom” was the word.
This virtual exhibit is supported in part by grants from the following:
The Balzekas Museum gratefully acknowledges these grantors as well as the members and private donors whose contributions support museum programs and activities.