Yellow Ribbon Run in Five Prisons
On April 1–2, the Yellow Ribbon Run took place across five Lithuanian prisons, bringing together nearly 500 participants — inmates, prison staff, volunteers, social partners, and community members — in a powerful show of solidarity, empathy, and commitment to prisoner reintegration.
The two-day event began at Pravieniškės 1 Correctional Facility, with subsequent runs held at Kaunas, Marijampolė, Alytus, and Panevėžys Prisons. Designed to challenge negative stereotypes and promote public understanding of prisoner rehabilitation, the initiative extended beyond prison walls — with runs taking place in parks, urban areas, and local stadiums. Participants included not only inmates and correctional officers, but also representatives from NGOs and local institutions such as VšĮ “Prirašytos rankos”, Maisto bankas (Food Bank), the Lithuanian Red Cross, public health offices, libraries, vocational schools, adult and youth education centres, and clergy members.
In Marijampolė, the capital of Suvalkija, residents of a local nursing home and the palliative care centre “Giedruma” also took part, demonstrating the broad community support for the initiative. After warm-up exercises, runners were treated to porridge, tea, and baked goods prepared by the inmates themselves, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
The Lithuanian Prison Service extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined, supported, and contributed to this meaningful event. Together, we are building an inclusive society — one that believes in second chances, supports rehabilitation, and embraces empathy for incarcerated individuals and their families.
Encouraged by this success, another public Yellow Ribbon Run is planned for late summer this year.
The Yellow Ribbon Project was launched in Singapore in 2004. It aims to promote community, understanding and mutual support, contributing to a more open and welcoming society.
The Yellow Ribbon Run was inspired by the popular song of the 70s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando, based on a true story published in The New York Post in 1971.
Last updated: 04-04-2025
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