On 14th October, the international military community of the Baltic Defence College gathered in Tartu to participate in the In Memoriam run, honouring Lithuanian soldiers who passed away this year. Military personnel representing 11 Allied and partner nations joined the run, demonstrating that remembrance and solidarity extend beyond national borders.

The run was organised as part of the Lithuanian In Memoriam initiative, an annual tradition that brings together military personnel and civilian communities to commemorate soldiers who have died outside active duty. This year marks the 12th edition of the initiative, organised by the Lithuanian Grand Duchess Birutė Officers’ Families Women’s Association in cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and supporting organisations.

“The event demonstrated solidarity with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the families of the service members who have passed away this year. Through their participation, members of the Baltic Defence College expressed respect for fallen colleagues and support for their families, reflecting the shared values of the international military community,” said Major General Egils Leščinskis, Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, who also personally participated in the run.

The In Memoriam initiative also raises financial support for the families of Lithuanian service members who passed away this year. By joining the initiative, the Baltic Defence College community contributed to fundraising efforts in support of these families.

For the twelfth consecutive year, the Run of Respect and Support has been organised by the Lithuanian Officers’ Families Association “Birutietės.” The first run took place in the autumn of 2015, after a Lithuanian officer participating in the Vilnius Marathon passed away during the event. It was then that members of the Grand Duchess Birutė Officers’ Families Association conceived the idea of organising a commemorative event to honour all service members who had died during the year under various circumstances, while also providing support to their families. For the Baltic Defence College, participating in this run has become a firmly established tradition.