VILNIUS, Lithuania -- Allied Forces from the U.S., Germany, Luxembourg and Lithuania participated in Armed Forces and Public Unity Day May 14, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania near the famed White Bridge.
The event allowed the participating allies the opportunity to showcase their equipment, and interact with the thousands of Lithuanian citizens in attendance.
The Armed Forces and Public Unity Day also sought to show unity between allies who come from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
"It is important to understand that we (military and civil society) are one," said Capt. Gintataus Ciunis, the public affairs officer of the Lithuanian Land Forces. "If we think that we are different, there is no chance of making a counterattack, winning a battle or winning a war. Only when we are united and supported by our civil society can we win the fight."
Throughout the event, citizens were able to view a simulated allied military operation, military fly-by with NATO aircraft and the reenacted Battle of Saule, which took place Sept. 22, 1236. Attendees were able to get a lesson on Lithuania's past and present.
"I feel that if people understand their history, they'll have more patriotism and be able to defend their country better," said Eityidas Tamosiumas, a war reenactor. "We always need an understanding of what happened in our history so that we don't make the same mistakes."
Throughout the day, Soldiers provided demonstrations of their military's weapons, and vehicles.
"Events like today really make me feel good," said Spc. Kyle Smith, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "Everyone today has been very friendly and interactive."
Smith, who is also a Stryker Combat Vehicle driver, said the highlight of the day was showing off his vehicle. He said he enjoyed explaining its capabilities to everyone who visited the display.
Overall, Ciunis said that he considered the event to be a huge success. He said he also felt that those in attendance were able to receive information on Lithuania's history, and have their questions answered about the country's allied military presence.
"I think this is a very important message to our civil society because they sometimes question why foreign forces are in our country," said Ciunis. "But we are all here to ensure our common safety and security. This is a very important message for the society to see that we all can come together for a common purpose."
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