A Celebration of Patriotism, Tradition, and Unity for the Lithuanian Diaspora
On September 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, J. Daumantas Company celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gathering that paid tribute to Lithuanian heritage and service. As a part of the Lithuanian National Guard, J. Daumantas Company has long stood as a beacon of resilience and pride for Lithuanians worldwide. This important event brought together Lithuanian National Guard Commander Ovidijus Bernatonis, Consul General Sandra Brikaitė, and approximately 100 guests. Their presence underscored the company’s mission to foster unity and preserve Lithuanian identity across generations, and it was a powerful reminder of the heritage and values that Lithuanians share worldwide.
The Legacy of J. Daumantas Company
J. Daumantas Company was founded with a commitment to preserve the values of the Lithuanian Rifleman’s Union, carrying on the legacy of Jurgis Daumantas, a revered leader in Lithuania’s journey toward freedom. The company embodies dedication, pride, and a sense of duty. Today, it remains a link to Lithuanian traditions, allowing those in the diaspora to feel connected to their roots. Over the years, J. Daumantas Company has become essential in helping Lithuanians hold on to their identity abroad. By marking its 60th anniversary, the celebration honored generations of service and the importance of community for the Lithuanian diaspora.
Anniversary Celebration Highlights
The festivities began with a flag ceremony, a tradition honoring Lithuania’s flag and its powerful symbolism. Deputy Saulius Kerežis, Reserve Officer Mindaugas Babonas, and Company Commander Vytautas Vysniauskas led the event. Together, they raised the flags of Lithuania and the United States while both national anthems played, capturing the connection between Lithuania and its diaspora.
Following the anthem, Commander Vysniauskas addressed the audience, acknowledging the dedication shared among members of the Lithuanian community. He then introduced Consul General Sandra Brikaitė, a dedicated member of the Lithuanian Rifleman’s Union, who expressed gratitude for the efforts of Lithuanian patriots. She read a message from Col. Lt. Linas Idzelis, Commander of the Lithuanian Rifleman’s Union, emphasizing unity and the shared responsibility of preserving their heritage.
Commander Bernatonis also shared a congratulatory message from the Lithuanian National Guard’s Central Board, the Pūtvio-Pūtvinskio Club, and the Klaipėda Company. His words resonated with the audience, capturing the spirit of service and resilience within the Rifleman’s Union and J. Daumantas Company. He highlighted company members’ courage, dedication, and enthusiasm, urging others to carry forward this legacy.
Reflecting on the Company’s Past, Present, and Future
One of the most notable moments of the celebration was Company Commander Vytautas Vysniauskas’s presentation, “J. Daumantas Company: Past, Present, and Future.” He shared stories of the company’s journey, touching on its significant achievements, challenges, and lasting impact on the Lithuanian community. Vysniauskas also spoke about Kazys Karuža, who led the company for over 20 years, shaping its vision and strengthening ties with the Lithuanian community. Karuža’s role in re-establishing the Lithuanian Rifleman’s Union after Soviet rule marked a pivotal chapter in the company’s history.
Commander Vysniauskas’s message carried a timeless reminder: “It is easy to lose independence, hard to win, but even more difficult to maintain.” His words inspired the audience to stay vigilant, honor Lithuania’s past, and commit to building a brighter future. Vysniauskas’s talk clarified that preserving freedom and identity is a responsibility passed down through generations.
Honoring Members with Awards and Recognition
A key part of the ceremony was the awards presentation by Consul General Sandra Brikaitė, who recognized members who have shown exceptional dedication to J. Daumantas Company. Honorees included Algimantas Matulevičius, Lina Kontrimaitė, Rolandas Žukauskas, Rima Veličkienė, and Saulius Kerežis. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on the Lithuanian community. Commander Vysniauskas was also presented with a commemorative token symbolizing “Three Anniversaries,” a reminder of the strength and unity within the Lithuanian diaspora.
Cultural Heritage and the Power of the Diaspora
The day’s events captured Lithuania’s cultural richness and resilience. A prayer led by sacristan Amandas Ragauskas grounded the celebration in faith and tradition. Later, Rima Veličkienė read a poem from J. Daumantas’s book, “Partizanai,” stirring emotions and reminding everyone of Lithuania’s history and sacrifices. The Lithuanian spirit was vividly felt through these moments, connecting each person to their shared heritage.
Adding to the sense of patriotism, reserve officer Mindaugas Babonas performed songs that spoke to the heart of Lithuanian pride. His acoustic set brought forth a deep sense of belonging. Later, the J. Daumantas choir sang traditional military songs, evoking the strength of Lithuania’s past and the unity of its people.
Engaging Activities: Quiz, Raffle, and Community Bonding
The celebration also included a quiz by Company Commander Vysniauskas, testing attendees’ knowledge of Lithuanian Rifleman Union history. Consul General Sandra Brikaitė and Orinta Maddox, Vice-Chairman of the Lithuanian Community of Los Angeles, were among the eager participants. They and Raimondas Šilkaitis joined in friendly competition, sparking laughter and camaraderie. The raffle, led by Saulius Kerežis and Ina Vyšniauskienė, featured prizes that added to the enjoyment, with guests Inga and Feriandas Grėblikas winning two sought-after items.
Final Ceremony and Reflections
As the day concluded, guests gathered for the flag removal ceremony, closing the event on a respectful note. However, the festive mood continued as everyone stayed to enjoy the accordion music of Česlovas Geštautas, whose melodies filled the room with warmth and connection. The music symbolized the heartbeat of Lithuania, a fitting end to a day celebrating resilience and the unbreakable bonds of heritage.
Looking to the Future with Pride and Responsibility
The 60th anniversary of J. Daumantas Company was more than a celebration; it was a moment to reflect on the strength of Lithuanian identity and unity. Every part of the event, from the speeches to the songs, honored the values that guide the Lithuanian National Guard and inspire the Lithuanian diaspora worldwide.
As we look to the future, this event calls for continued dedication. Each generation is responsible for carrying forward Lithuania’s legacy and remaining united. Supporting the Lithuanian National Guard by joining, donating, or staying informed strengthens this heritage and ensures its future preservation.
LTNationalGuard is the voice of the Lithuanian diaspora, focused on reflecting the unity and spirit of the global Lithuanian National Guard community. As the main writer for sauliai.org, LTNationalGuard shares the experiences and values of the Guards, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve Lithuanian heritage. Each piece of content connects with the community, capturing the essence of the National Guards and helping members stay connected worldwide.
