"Today we cannot image Lithuania without the sea. Thanks to the efforts of the Revolt organizers 90 years ago, Lithuania recovered Klaipėda Region and once again became a marine state. Today Klaipėda is not only Lithuania's window to the West, but is also a symbol of our country's energy independence. Without Klaipėda Region, we would have undoubtedly been a politically, economically, and culturally weaker state," the president said.
90 years ago, Lithuanians staged a revolt in Klaipėda which led to incorporation of Lithuania Minor into Lithuania proper. Until the 20th century, Klaipėda Region - or Memelland - was part of Germany. In 1919, the territory was handed over to the League of Nations following Paris Peace Conference. Klaipėda Region was under French administration between 1920 and 1923.
Lithuania organized the Revolt in 1923; around 70 percent of rebels were riflemen, students, volunteers, or simply civil-dressed troops from Lithuania proper. Šilutė Declaration on the incorporation of Lithuania Minor into Lithuania proper was announced on January 19 and the Lithuanian army entered Klaipėda on the same day.
The world recognized Klaipėda Region as part of Lithuania in May 1924.
Based on the 1925 census data from Klaipėda Region, 141,000 people lived in the region at the time, including 64,000 Germans, 37,000 Lithuanians and 34,000 "Klaipėda residents" who spoke Lithuanian at home.
