On November 20th, the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation launched its Historical Identities event series with a compelling exploration of the legacies of Lithuanian deportations. This inaugural event examined the profound impact these historical events have had on Lithuanian society, delving into how the past shapes the present and what lessons can be drawn for the future.

The evening featured two distinguished speakers: Gintarė Sargūnaitė and Radvyda Vaišvilaitė. Gintarė, President of the Jurgis Šaulys Fellowship, a member of the Lithuanian Political Prisoners and Exiles Union in Klaipėda, and an educator at the Gargždai Region Museum, provided a detailed historical overview of the deportations. She shared the story of her grandfather, a deportee, offering a moving account of his journey and the challenges he faced after returning home. Her presentation highlighted the scale of these deportation campaigns, the countless lives affected, and the enduring impact they continue to have on Lithuanian identity and memory.

Radvyda Vaišvilaitė, Chair of the Lithuanian Studies Department, gave a heartfelt presentation about her family’s experiences with deportation. She recounted the resilience and struggles of her father and relatives, painting a vivid picture of their hardships and hopes. Despite the adversity they faced, her story concluded with a rare glimmer of joy: the eventual return of her family to Lithuania.

The significance of the evening was captured by International Relations and Development Department Chair Scott Neumann, who remarked, "The presentation on the Lithuanian experience of exile was eye-opening. The informational presentation was very interesting, and the personal stories were deeply moving." His words echoed the sentiments of many in attendance, emphasizing the event’s powerful blend of historical insight and personal testimony.

Following the presentations, a panel discussion brought together two Lithuanian LCC International University students, Ieva from the Psychology Department and Laurita from the Communications Department, as well as two faculty members from the Business and Theology Departments. The panelists reflected on how the stories resonated with their own family histories and shared their emotional responses to the evening’s themes. The discussion was a space for vulnerability, marked by heartfelt stories and questions that, at times, remain unanswered.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where audience members expressed gratitude for the speakers’ courage in sharing such personal histories. The evening closed on a collective hope: that the atrocities of Lithuanian deportations remain a lesson for humanity, ensuring they are never repeated.