A monument to the great hetman JK Chodkevičis was unveiled in the Old Town

On September 24, in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius, a monument created by sculptor Martynas Gaubos to the great hetmon of Lithuania was unveiled in the courtyard of the Vilnius Picture Gallery of the Lithuanian National Art Museum. The winner of the "Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius Gold Medal for State Strengthening Activities" was also revealed - director Jonas Ohmanas.

Director of the Lithuanian National Art Museum dr. Arūnas Gelūnas remembered that while participating in the activities of the foundation, he constantly repeated the phrase "history stolen from us". "Quoting prof. I have to admit Alfreda Bumblauskas - she sinks with Vytautas the Great and emerges only with Jonas Jablonskis. However, many extremely important moments and achievements took place at that time." A. Gelūnas was happy that a person from the family of their creators - Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius - had finally returned to the Chodkevičius Palace. Cardinal Audrys Juozas Bačkis and his brother Fr. Algirdus Malakauskius.

When presenting the award, the head of the Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius Charity and Support Foundation, Edmundas Jakilaitis, drew attention to the security and strengthening of the state. "When awarding this award, we were looking for a person who, acting in various fields, does more than he should and whose activities strengthen the security of Lithuania. We were looking for a modern person who operates according to the principles of the Renaissance personality. A person who values ​​freedom and honor. 

Director Jonas Ohmanas not only makes films about Lithuanian partisans, he organizes January 13 commemorations in Vilnius. He consistently and professionally contributes to the military victories of the Ukrainian army and civil society in Ukraine creation, better living conditions for Ukrainian children, especially war orphans and frontline children", said E. Jakilaitis when presenting the first annual award.

Jonas Ohman did not hide that this award is a reminder that his activities are not only noticed, but also meaningful. "For me, the history of this entire region - Lithuania, Ukraine - is alive. The further I go, the deeper I understand that history lives on, looks back at us, calls us to live. This award is a sign that what I am doing is right and has meaning. I am very happy that I am not the only one who understands what is happening around us," he said.

Long-time supporter of the "Blue/Yellow" organization founded by Jonas Ohmans, which gathers support for Ukraine, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte was open: "It happens to congratulate an event or a person on various occasions, but here is a very difficult minute - you have to congratulate someone whom I consider my friend." It's hard not to cry."

"JK Chodkevičius was a great statesman and a great European. This is very important to us. You can be a great person for the state, acting for the benefit of several states - as John does. It works for Lithuania, for the freedom of Ukraine. It's not a garden that your good works are connected to - it's an idea. This is a well-deserved, very timely award," she said.

Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius (1570–1621) is one of the most famous painters of the XNUMXth century. European warlord, nobleman of LDK, count of Šklov and Myš, meritorious statesman: Elder of Žemaičiai, Grand Hetman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Vilnius Voivodeship, distinguished in the fields of education and culture.

The monument to the warlord was erected and the prize was awarded at the initiative of the Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius Charity and Support Fund, which was organized by members of the public, with the funds of private sponsors. The creation and construction of the monument to Jonas Karolis Chodkevičiis was supported by: "Linas Agro Group", Vasario 16-osios fundas, "VMG Group", UAB "NORTUS". The hore-relief created by Martynas Gaubos can be seen today in the courtyard of the Vilnius Picture Gallery of the Lithuanian National Art Museum (Didžioji St. 4) already today.