History

The Independence Medal was established in 1928 in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Lithuanian independence. It was awarded until 1940 when it was suppressed during the Soviet occupation, but it was revived in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet regime and the declaration of the Republic of Lithuania. It was later awarded in 2000.

Prior to 1940, the Medal was awarded to Lithuanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service to the state during its first ten years of existence, including civil service and service in the state administration. It was also awarded to participants of the 1923 Kleipada Uprising, participants in the Lithuanian Wars of Independence, and foreigners who contributed to the declaration of Lithuanian independence in 1918. Additionally, the Medal was awarded to individuals known as "book smugglers," that is, those who disseminated printed material the Lithuanian language in defiance of the Russian Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When the Medal was awarded again in 2000, it was awarded to participants of the resistance and volunteer soldiers.

The Bronze Medal features a reverse inscription that translates to "After long centuries of being on duty we won Freedom, through sacrifice and suffering." Approximately 44000 were awarded in the Republic of Lithuania from 1928-1940.

There are two versions of the medal that differ in the dates in the reverse inscription. The current version is listed in the Medals & Decorations of the Republic of Lithuania (1991-).