The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, together with the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is hosting a friendship picnic to celebrate the Sumner Welles Declaration. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m. in Washington Square, Vilnius, Lithuania. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa band, along with games and American-style food available from food trucks.
The Welles Declaration was issued in 1940 by then Acting Secretary of State Benjamin Sumner Welles. It stated that the United States did not recognize the occupation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union. This declaration is seen as a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Lithuania.
For more information, individuals can refer to several resources:
- The State Department’s travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Lithuania Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and assist in locating individuals during emergencies.
- Contact details for the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania are provided for those needing assistance or further information.
Contact numbers include +(370) (5) 266-5600 during specified hours Monday through Friday, and an after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens at +(370) (5) 266 5500. For calls within the United States and Canada, individuals can use 1-888-407-4747 toll-free or call 1-202-501-4444 from other countries during business hours.
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