Three Days of Events Celebrating the Past and Looking to the Future of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga)
105th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LRU)
This year, the LRU celebrates 105 years with a series of events across Lithuania. The festivities were joined by Ovidijus Bernatonis, Commander of the Lithuanian National Guard in exile, his advisor Gintas Vasilevskis, and other exiled members.
One of the main features of the celebration was the inauguration of the Leaders’ Oak Park near Ringovė Hill in the Kaunas District. This new park displays portraits of 26 local leaders and 9 leaders from the exile community. To honor these figures, 35 oak trees were planted. At the opening ceremony, the current leader, Lieutenant Colonel Linas Idzelis, planted an oak tree, expressing his hope that the park would become a gathering place to celebrate future milestones.
After the park’s opening, Lieutenant Colonel Idzelis led a 160-kilometer hike over three days with young participants and hikers. This hike pays tribute to the fighters for Lithuania’s freedom by covering significant historical sites. The journey ends on June 29 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kaunas with a mass dedicated to the homeland and the Guard, followed by a parade to Vytautas the Great War Museum.
The event began with a Mass in Vilkija Church, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and the blessing of a stone marking the park’s location. The Guard’s Honor Squad saluted with three volleys, and the park is maintained by Kęstutis Markevičius, a forester and Guard member.
The celebration, extending over three days, commemorates the 105th anniversary of the LRU. Invitations were extended to prominent members of the Lithuanian National Guard in the exile community, including Ovidijus Bernatonis and Gintautas Vasilevskis.
Celebration Scheduled for June 29, 2024, in Kaunas, Lithuania
- 10:00 AM: Holy Mass at St. Michael the Archangel (Garrison) Church.
- 11:00 AM: A grand parade of all Lithuanian riflemen along Liberty Avenue leading to the Vytautas the Great War Museum garden.
- 12:00 PM: Official celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union at the Vytautas the Great War Museum garden.
- 1:00 PM: Festive concert, featuring traditional riflemen’s tea and porridge.
The celebration event and pictures are here: Honoring 105 Year Anniversary.
Vilma Kava is a Lithuanian-American author and journalist with a strong interest in Lithuanian culture and history. She has written two books that explore Lithuania’s heritage and traditions. Vilma regularly writes for Draugas newspaper, offering articles that resonate with the Lithuanian diaspora. She also contributes to the Lithuanian National Guard Facebook page, sharing stories and content that promote community engagement and cultural awareness.
