Memorial oak for the 16th of February 1918

The memorial oak grows on the corner of J. Basanavičiaus and Nepriklausomybės streets. The concrete bollards in its shade feature the date of 16/02/1918. These numbers state that this oak is a living monument of the restoration of the statehood of the Republic of Lithuania. The oak was planted during the 10th anniversary of the Lithuanian Republic in 1927 or 1928.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Lithuania’s independence, Šilalė citizens planted an oak tree and a bottle with a testament for the future generations, stating the purpose and occasion of planting that tree. The ceremony was organised by Simonas Gaudėšius, referred to as Šilalė’s patriarch and enlightened person, also Stasys Biržiškis, the first Head of Šilalė (1934-1940), famous agronomist and the first Municipality Board Chairman, parson Pranas Kūdis, known for his numerous achievements in Šilalė’s cultural life, and other intelligentsia of the town.
In more than half a century, the tiny oak tree, which survived more than one invasion and other disasters, grew into a strong oak, which greets and farewells all city guests.

Compiled in 2018