Marking six decades of service: the Lithuanian National Guard “Klaipėda” Company’s 60th anniversary united 101 prominent guests in Chicago to celebrate their legacy and mark Lithuanian Armed Forces Day
On November 16, the “Klaipėda” Company of the Lithuanian National Guard (LNG) solemnly celebrated its 60th anniversary, bringing 101 riflemen, their families, and guests from the U.S. and Lithuania.
The commemoration began at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where, immediately following Mass, five new members of the Lithuanian National Guard took their solemn oath. On this day, three new members joined the General T. Daukantas Company, while two new members strengthened the ranks of the Baltic Company. The newly sworn-in riflemen were congratulated by Ovidijus Bernatonis, the Commander of the Lithuanian National Guard, who presented them with riflemen insignias.
After Mass, riflemen and guests gathered in the parish hall for a celebratory evening, where traditions and respect for the history of Lithuania and the Lithuanian National Guard became the event’s central focus.
LNG’s “Klaipėda” Company: Significance, Traditions, and International Unity
The celebration began with an address by the commander of the “Klaipėda” Company, Giedrius Bikulčius, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the company’s significance not only to the Lithuanian community in America but also to the international riflemen movement. The commander expressed his joy at the large gathering and introduced the distinguished guests:
- Regimantas Jablonskas, Consular General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago, accompanied by his wife, Ramutė.;
- Colonel Mindaugas Mažonas, Defence Attaché of Lithuania to the United States and Canada;
- Žilvinas Tomkus, Defense Advisor, Rep. of Ministry of National Defence, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Washington;
- Ovidijus Bernatonis, Commander of Lithuanian National Guard;
- Stasys Ignatavičius, founder of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in Exile and President of the Vladas Putvinskis-Pūtvis Club, Knight of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;
- Dr. Audrius Skaistys, Vice President of the Vladas Putvinskis-Pūtvis Club;
- Antanas Rašymas, head of the Chicago Lithuanian Center, and some of its board members;
- Jaunius Kelpšas, Chaplain of Lithuanian National Guard, and Father Gediminas Keršys.
- Leaders and members of other National Guard units from Michigan, Florida, and California.
- Members of LAC chapters
Giedrius Bikulčius reminded everyone that the “Klaipėda” Company was established in Cicero, Illinois, at St. Anthony Parish. Although the Lithuanian population has dwindled, the community remains active. The parish continues to gather at its Lithuanian church, where the revered priest Gediminas Keršys celebrates Mass every Sunday.
This reflection encouraged attendees to nurture and support Lithuanian communities, which are inseparable from the work of the naval riflemen and the preservation of Lithuanian identity.
Flags and Anthems: Symbols of Unity and Respect
The solemn procession of flags marked the opening of the celebration, culminating in the national anthems of the Republic of Lithuania and the United States. These anthems symbolized not only the unity between the two nations but also respect for the shared values they uphold—freedom, patriotism, and mutual solidarity.
Following these meaningful moments, the chaplain of the Lithuanian National Guard, Jaunius Kelpšas, offered an invocation, inviting everyone to give thanks for the unity of the community and the mission of the riflemen.
A moment of silence followed – a profound tribute to the fallen riflemen who embodied patriotism and loyal service to Lithuania, both in its homeland and abroad. This moment deepened the resolve of the celebration’s participants to honor riflemen traditions and cherish the ideals of Lithuanian freedom.
The “Klaipėda” Company: History, Inspiration, and Mission
As guests took their seats, the Deputy Commander of the LNG and a member of the “Klaipėda” Company, Roma Bikulčius, humorously remarked that summarizing 60 years of the company’s history and activities in just five minutes was impossible. She invited those eager to learn more to join the “Klaipėda” Company.
R. Bikulčius vividly recounted the company’s history, from its founding in 1964 to the present day. She highlighted the founder of the Lithuanian National Guard, Vladas Putvinskis-Pūtvys, all six commanders of the “Klaipėda’s” Company, and discussed the circumstances of its establishment, its ideology, goals, and activities. She emphasized the importance of the LNG for the Lithuanian community and its role in preserving Lithuanian identity far from the homeland.
As part of this inspiring story, the original flag of the “Klaipėda” Company hung on the stage, a reminder of the riflemen’s sacrifice, traditions, and loyalty to their nation. This symbolic detail enhanced the celebratory atmosphere, inspiring attendees to continue supporting the riflemen’s mission and nurturing the Lithuanian spirit.
Moments of Congratulations: Respect for Traditions and the Spirit of Unity
Following the engaging overview of the history of the “Klaipėda” Company, the series of greetings was opened by the Commander of the Lithuanian National Guard, Ovidijus Bernatonis. He congratulated the “Klaipėda” company on its anniversary, joking that after Roma Bikulčius’s comprehensive presentation about the company, there was little left for him to add.
He wished the riflemen success in their bright endeavors and extended greetings to all attendees in anticipation of the upcoming Lithuanian Armed Forces Day.
Hearts and Words for Lithuania: The Spirit of Greetings
Distinguished guests from Lithuania and the United States shared congratulatory remarks, presenting symbolic gifts and certificates of recognition to the company’s leadership and riflemen. Regimantas Jablonskas, the Consular General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago, congratulated the riflemen on their anniversary and extended his best wishes to everyone gathered on the occasion of Lithuanian Armed Forces Day. The Consular highlighted the company’s strength and loyalty to Lithuania over the past 60 years, reaffirming the enduring bond between Lithuania and its diaspora. He urged everyone to remember the value of Lithuania’s hard-won independence, achieved through decades of struggle, and emphasized the vital role of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in safeguarding this freedom.
Colonel Mindaugas Mažonas, Defence Attaché of Lithuania to the United States and Canada, spoke proudly of the diaspora’s organization of the “Švyturys” (“The Beacon”) camp for children and youth, which this year received a nomination from the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda. He also reminded attendees of the contributions made by Lithuanian riflemen 105 years ago, in 1919, when they were the first to defend the country against the Bermontians.
Symbols, Memories, and Honors: In Service to the Homeland
Dr. Audrius Skaistys, the First Vice President of the Vladas Putvinskis-Pūtvys Club, spoke about the symbols depicted on the “Klaipėda” company’s flag and their significance. The club’s president, Stasys Ignatavičius, shared his memories of his long-term collaboration with the riflemen in the diaspora.
They also read and presented a congratulatory message from the commander of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, Lt. Col. Linas Idzelis, and awarded distinguished riflemen with anniversary medals and certificates of appreciation. Outstanding members of the company were recognized with letters of gratitude from the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union for their dedication to riflemen activities and the promotion of riflemen ideals.
The club’s regalia were ceremonially passed on to its new member, Defense Advisor Žilvinas Tomkus.
Winding Paths of Congratulations: From the Heart to the Homeland
Father Gediminas Keršys and head of the Chicago Lithuanian Center, Antanas Rašymas, wished prosperity to the company.
A guest from distant San Francisco, the leader of the Northern California & Mexico Company, Vita Gailiūnaitė, also delivered a congratulatory speech. She presented symbolic gifts made in Ukraine to the honored guests. Vita, a passionate supporter of Ukraine, has traveled to the war zone four times to deliver aid to the fighting Ukrainians. She also introduced her companions at the celebration: 93-year-old rifleman Vytautas Pačkauskas from Florida and his daughter, Nadija Pačkauskas, who also gave brief congratulatory remarks. Gintautas Vasilevskis, Advisor to the LNG Commander, provided a short introduction of Vita and her contributions to riflemen activities and the Lithuanian heritage.
Žilvinas Tomkus, Defense Advisor, Rep. of Ministry of National Defence, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Washington, emphasized in his speech the determination of Lithuanians as a global nation to defend their homeland and NATO’s role in the world.
Honorary speeches were also given by Regina Butkus, Commander of the “Baltija” Company; Klemensas Petrus, Honorary Commander of the Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas Company; and Felicija Jablonskis, a member of the “Klaipėda” Company.
Throughout the evening, riflemen from the Vytautas the Great Unit, led by the commander Linas Marganavičius, and the Gen. Teodoras Daukantas Company, led by the commander Inesa Makaras, greeted Commander Giedrius and their brothers and sisters from the “Klaipėda” Company, congratulating them on their anniversary.
Gratitude from the Lithuanian Community
The company also received written congratulations from Attorney Saulius Kuprys, Chairman of the Lithuanian American Council, and members of the Lithuanian American Community Cicero Chapter.
In Service to the Homeland: Honoring Dedication and Unity
Following the greetings from esteemed guests, Giedrius Bikulčius, the commander of the “Klaipėda” Company, warmly congratulated his company’s riflemen, honoring them for their long-standing dedication and contributions to the company’s activities. For their merits to the company and commitment to the community, the riflemen were awarded anniversary medals and certificates of appreciation.
Commander Giedrius also presented 60th-anniversary commemorative medals to other riflemen companies in the diaspora, expressing gratitude for their collaboration, solidarity, and shared mission to uphold riflemen traditions and unite Lithuanian communities.
From Solemnity to Rhythm: The Harmonies of Unity
The official part of the celebration concluded with a ceremonial flag procession and the presentation of a festive cake. As the song “Ilgiausių metų” (“Long Live”) played, all attendees raised their glasses in joy, celebrating community unity and this remarkable anniversary.
The event’s highlight was a festive dinner blessed by Father Gediminas Keršys. The delicious dishes were prepared by the much-loved Lithuanian restaurant “Kunigaikščių Užeiga”(“The Grand Dukes”), while an uplifting atmosphere was created by riflemen Vytautas Jurevičius and Gediminas Grašys with their trumpet and saxophone performances.
After the delightful dinner, DJ Jokūbas took over, inviting everyone to the dance floor. The music and dancing brought participants together, offering a chance to celebrate and strengthen the sense of community.
60 Years of Unity and Lithuanian Spirit: The Curtain Closes on the Celebration
The “Klaipėda” Company’s 60th anniversary once again proved that the Lithuanian spirit in the diaspora is alive and strong. This celebration united people from different generations and geographic locations, united by a common goal—to nurture Lithuanian identity and uphold riflemen traditions.
Joy, respect, and unity intertwined throughout the evening to create an unforgettable community gathering. Music filled the air, warm memories were shared, and a new flame was lit for future endeavors. The riflemen community demonstrated that great achievements are possible when working together, and their commitment to the homeland is not just a legacy of the past but also a promise for the present and the future.
This evening honored the longstanding work of the “Klaipėda” company and reminded everyone that the Lithuanian spirit, even far from the homeland, can shine as brightly as it did on this anniversary night.
Stay tuned for a gallery of images from the evening, capturing the heartfelt moments, inspiring speeches, and shared joy of this historic celebration.
Silvija Motiejunas has been an active member of the Lithuanian National Guard’s “Klaipėda” Company since March 2024 and joined the LAC Marquette Park chapter board in June 2024. She is committed to preserving the history of the Lithuanian National Guard. Silvija records and shares events that matter to both Lithuanians and the wider community. Her work has appeared in local Lithuanian newspapers like “Draugas” and is now featured in the Chronicles and other parts of our website. Silvija’s writing reflects the spirit and activities that keep our cultural heritage alive.
