A New Honorary Consulate

On Monday, October 13, 2014, Lithuania opened an Honorary Consulate in Wisconsin. Mr. Irene and I attended the ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

The ceremony took place in the Senate Chamber. A Lithuanian flag stood with the Wisconsin and United States flags.

*     *     *     *     *

The Lithuanian Consulate brought its insignia.

*     *     *     *     *

The Lithuanian coat of arms, the Vytis, also draped the Speaker's podium.

*     *     *     *     *

His Excellency Žygimantas Pavilionis, Lithuania's Ambassador to the United States, inadvertently photobombed this shot of the Senate Chamber murals.

*     *     *     *     *

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius, and Honorary Consul Leslie Liautaud prepared for the ceremony.

*     *     *     *     *

Governor Walker opened the event.

*     *     *     *     *

Foreign Minister Linkevičius offered some thoughts before the investiture.

*     *     *     *     *

Honorary Consul Liautaud received a Lithuanian flag during the ceremony.

*     *     *     *     *

Ambassador Pavilionis addressed Wisconsin's ties to Lithuania.

*     *     *     *     *

Honorary Consul Liautaud spoke for a few minutes.

*     *     *     *     *

Everyone enjoyed the speeches.

*     *     *     *     *

Well done!

*     *     *     *     *

Lithuania's Honorary Consuls from other states arrived for the investiture ceremony.

*     *     *     *     *

Although members of the media recorded the event, the ceremony got little attention in the news.

*     *     *     *     *

After the ceremony, guests moved to the Senate Parlor for refreshments.

*     *     *     *     *

Lunch.

*     *     *     *     *

Guests enjoyed catching up with old friends.