Sculptor: Arūnas Sakalauskas. 2009
A monument to the awakener of the Lithuanian nation, writer, publicist, composer, doctor and author of the Lithuanian anthem, Dr. Vincas Kudirka has been erected in the square in the centre of the capital.
V. Kudirka (1858–1899) published most of his works in the magazine of literature, politics and science Varpas, which he—along with other kindred spirits—launched into publication in 1889. On 15 September 1898, V. Kudirka published Tautiška Giesmė (National Song) with notes in the Varpas. This patriotic poem became the national anthem of Lithuania in 1919. Following the restoration of independence, Tautiška Giesmė by V. Kudirka again became the anthem of Lithuania.