 When Lithuania declared its independence from Russia in 1918 , the song was declared the national anthem . It held this status until Lithuania was annexed into the Soviet Union during World War II . During the interwar period , there had been suggestions to modify the words to include a reference to God . It was decided , in Kudirka 's memory , that the lyrics should remain as he had written them . 
 When Lithuania declared its independence from Russia in 1918 , the song was declared the national anthem . It held this status until Lithuania was annexed into the Soviet Union during World War II . During the interwar period , <a href='dey_it' title='1'><mark>there</mark></a> had been suggestions to modify the words to include a reference to God . It was decided , in Kudirka <a href='null_genetive' title='2'><mark>'s</mark></a>memory , that the lyrics should remain as he <a href='been_done' title='3'><mark>had</mark></a> written them . 
When Lithuania declared its independence from Russia in 1918 , da song was declared tdanational anthem . It held this status until Lithuania was annexed into the Soviet Union during World War II . During the interwar period , it had been suggestions to modify the words to include a reference to God . It was decided , in Kudirka  memory , dat the lyrics should remain as he done written them .