Valdas Adamkus is a prominent Lithuanian politician who served as the President of Lithuania twice, first from 1998 to 2003 and then from 2004 to 2009. Born on November 3, 1926, in Kaunas, he spent part of his early life in the United States before returning to Lithuania after its independence from the Soviet Union. Adamkus is known for his pro-European Union stance and efforts to strengthen Lithuania's ties with the West. His leadership focused on economic reforms, environmental issues, and enhancing national security, contributing to Lithuania's integration into NATO and the European Union.