Marking 70 Years of Lithuanian Heritage. The Story of the Vytautas the Great Unit in Chicago
On August 15, 2024, the Vytautas the Great Unit, a proud branch of what is now recognized as the Lithuanian National Guard, marked its 70th anniversary. This milestone not only honors the longstanding and distinguished history of the Riflemen but also serves as a moment to reflect on the future, ensuring the ongoing preservation and promotion of Lithuanian values and traditions within the diaspora.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Event Date | August 15, 2024 |
| Anniversary | 70th anniversary of the Vytautas the Great Unit, part of the Lithuanian National Guard in Chicago |
| Origins | The idea to restore the Lithuanian Riflemen Union in exile began in 1952, led by Vaidievutis Andrius Mantautas |
| Lithuanian Rifleman Union in Exile Restoration Efforts | Efforts to retore the Union started in early 1952, with a focus on uniting exiled Riflemen, legalizing the organization, and overcoming skepticism from authorities and diaspora circles |
| Challenges Faced | Legal obstacles, uniting dispersed Riflemen, skepticism from U.S. and Canadian authorities, and logistical difficulties in organizing the Union |
| First Rifleman Unit in Exile | On July 11, 1954, the Toronto Riflemen Club became the first unit to be established in exile |
| Formation of Chicago Rifleman Club | The Chicago Riflemen Club was formed on August 15, 1954, becoming the first such unit in the U.S. |
| Transformation into Vytautas the Great Unit | Efforts to restore the Union started in early 1952, with a focus on uniting exiled Riflemen, legalizing the organization, and overcoming skepticism from authorities and diaspora circles |
| Acquisition of Headquarters | The Vytautas the Great Unit House was acquired and consecrated on May 1, 1976, serving as a cultural and social center for the Lithuanian community in Chicago |
| Current Challenges | Attracting young members, adapting to modern technology, and strengthening ties with Lithuania and other diaspora organizations |
| Community Support | Emphasis on the need for broader community involvement, including financial contributions, event participation, and encouraging youth to join |
| Modernization and Adaptation | Efforts to adapt to modern challenges by engaging younger generations through social networks and updating traditional activities |
| Strengthening Ties with Lithuania | Strengthening connections with Lithuania and global Lithuanian organizations to preserve culture and traditions, leveraging opportunities presented by globalization |
The 70th anniversary of the Vytautas the Great Unit represents more than just a celebration of history. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of the Lithuanian community in Chicago. Over the past seven decades, this unit has played a key role in preserving Lithuanian culture and fostering a sense of community among Lithuanians in exile. As we look back on these 70 years, we must also look forward, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive in the modern world.
The Origins. Re-establishing the Lithuanian Riflemen Union in Exile
The Visionary Leader – Vaidievutis Andrius Mantautas
In 1952, the vision to revive the Lithuanian Riflemen Union in exile was ignited by Vaidievutis Andrius Mantautas, the grandson of the Union’s founder, Vladas Putvinskis. Mantautas gathered a committed group, setting the stage for extensive organizational efforts to restore the Union’s presence among the Lithuanian diaspora.
Re-establishing the Union in Exile (1954)
The re-establishment of the Lithuanian Riflemen Union in Exile (LŠST) officially began on April 27, 1954. This date marks the formal reorganization of the LŠST in Chicago, which was the central event in reviving the Union’s mission among Lithuanians living outside of Lithuania. This foundational step was crucial in ensuring that the Lithuanian Riflemen Union could continue its activities in exile, with a renewed focus on uniting the diaspora and preserving Lithuanian traditions.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The road to restoration was fraught with difficulties. The initiative group faced the challenge of rallying scattered interwar Riflemen living in exile, preparing necessary documents, gaining legal recognition in the U.S. and Canada, and overcoming the lingering skepticism from both diaspora communities and North American authorities. Despite these obstacles, Mantautas and his colleagues, including key figures such as S. Putvytė Mantautienė, A. Valatkaitis, M. Kalmantas, and E. Klupšienė, pressed on. Their perseverance was further bolstered by the support of renowned figures like R. Skipitis, one of the original Riflemen Union founders, and other notable Lithuanian leaders.
By the end of 1953, the initiative group decided to publicly announce the restoration of the Riflemen Union during the 25th anniversary of Vladas Putvinskis’ death in March 1954. This announcement, made through various Lithuanian publications in the U.S. and Canada, called on Riflemen to reunite under the banner of the restored organization.
Establishing the Chicago Riflemen Club
Foundation of the Club (1954)
On July 11, 1954, the Toronto Riflemen Club became the first unit to be established in exile, marking a significant achievement in the organization’s efforts. Shortly thereafter, plans were set in motion to establish a similar unit in Chicago. Mantautas continued his work by engaging with influential individuals, including Lithuanian Envoy Povilas Žadeikis and embassy advisor Juozas Kajeckas, to secure approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. Their support was crucial in ensuring that the Riflemen Union was not classified as a subversive organization.
On August 15, 1954, the Chicago Riflemen Club was officially founded, becoming the first such unit in the United States. The founding meeting brought together prominent Lithuanians in Chicago, including J. Dambrauskas, K. Dudėnas, S. Grigaliūnienė, and Colonel Mykolas Kalmantas. This group elected a temporary board, with Colonel Kalmantas as chairman, and began drafting the club’s bylaws, which were officially registered on January 26, 1955, with the Illinois State Administration.
The Chicago Riflemen Club – A Dynamic Start
The Chicago Riflemen Club quickly became a vibrant hub of activity. The Riflemen organized art groups, staged performances, held commemorations, and hosted community gatherings. Their participation in national events and religious ceremonies sparked significant interest in the Chicago Lithuanian community. Within a year, the club had grown to over 200 members, demonstrating the strong desire among Lithuanians in Chicago to preserve their cultural identity and contribute to the broader community.
Growth and Transformation into the Vytautas the Great Unit
Cultural Impact and Expansion
As the Chicago Riflemen Club continued to thrive, it became a central force in the Lithuanian community, organizing cultural and social events that significantly engaged local Lithuanians. By January 1, 1974, the club had expanded sufficiently to reorganize into the Vytautas the Great Unit of the Lithuanian Riflemen Union in Exile. This transformation further solidified its role within the diaspora and underscored its commitment to preserving Lithuanian heritage.
Quest for a Headquarters
As the unit continued to grow, the need for a permanent headquarters became apparent. After a two-year effort, on May 1, 1976, the Vytautas the Great Unit House was opened and consecrated in Chicago. This building became a cultural and social center for the Lithuanian community, hosting a variety of events and activities that strengthened community ties and reinforced the Unit’s role as a pillar of the Lithuanian diaspora.
Modern Challenges and Adaptation
Attracting Younger Members
Seventy years after its founding, the Vytautas the Great Unit remains a vital part of the Chicago Lithuanian community. However, the challenges of the past have evolved. Today, the unit faces modern challenges, such as attracting younger members, strengthening ties with Lithuania and other diaspora organizations, and adapting to the changing times. Engaging younger generations is essential for ensuring the continued relevance and vitality of the unit.
Strengthening Ties with Lithuania
In today’s interconnected world, maintaining strong connections with Lithuania and other Lithuanian organizations worldwide is more important than ever. The Riflemen are exploring new ways to engage with the community, including the use of social networks and digital platforms, to ensure that their activities remain relevant and impactful.
The Role of Community Support
Importance of Engagement
For the Riflemen to continue their work, community support is crucial. Every Lithuanian, whether in Chicago or elsewhere, has a role to play in supporting the organization. This can be through financial contributions, participation in events, or encouraging the younger generation to join.
Modernization Efforts
The Riflemen’s activities go beyond preserving traditions—they involve actively participating in social life, strengthening the community, and defending the ideas of Lithuanian freedom and independence. Every contribution to these activities helps ensure that the Lithuanian National Guard remains strong and united. Modernization efforts, including digital engagement, are crucial to meeting the needs of today’s community while preserving the essence of Lithuanian culture.
Embracing Change and Strengthening Connections
Globalization and Opportunities
In a rapidly changing world, the opportunities to connect with Lithuanians around the globe have never been greater. The Riflemen are leveraging these opportunities to share experiences, organize joint events, and carry out projects that help maintain Lithuanian culture and traditions. By embracing change and strengthening connections, the Vytautas the Great Unit is ensuring that it remains relevant and influential in the life of the diaspora.
Modern Initiatives
One of the most important tasks of the Unit is to attract new members, especially young people, who can learn Lithuanian traditions and actively participate in the Riflemen’s activities. To achieve this, the unit organizes various events that attract young families, children, and youth groups. These events include Lithuanian celebrations, historical commemorations, cultural evenings, and sports competitions. Alongside these traditional events, the Riflemen are also exploring modern ways to engage new members, including the use of social networks and digital platforms.
The 70th Anniversary – A Moment of Reflection
Honoring the Legacy
The 70th anniversary of the Vytautas the Great Unit is not just a time to celebrate the past, but also a moment to reflect on the future. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Lithuanian diaspora in Chicago. Over the past 70 years, the unit has not only preserved Lithuanian traditions but has also become an essential pillar of the Lithuanian community in the diaspora. Today, the Riflemen stand on the strong foundations laid by their predecessors and have every opportunity to continue strengthening the organization, nurturing Lithuanian values, and promoting nationalism.
Looking to the Future
The Riflemen not only continue old traditions but also bring in new ideas, striving to adapt the organization’s activities to the modern world. They understand that to maintain and develop the organization, it is necessary to consider changing times and the needs of the youth. Therefore, the Unit not only nurtures nationalism and historical memory but also encourages modern initiatives that help keep the Riflemen relevant and influential in the life of the diaspora.
Call to Action
This anniversary is not just a time to celebrate but also a moment to reflect on the future, considering what we can do to ensure that the Lithuanian National Guard continues to grow and thrive. You can also become a part of the history in keeping Lithuanian culture and traditions alive, as well as strengthening our community abroad.
Here is how you can do it:
- Join Our Organization: Become a part of the Lithuanian National Guard. Help us lead the way in cultural preservation and community service.
- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Stay informed about upcoming events and the latest community news.
- Join Our Events: Whether it’s a cultural festival, a language class, or a public discussion, your participation adds strength to our cause.
- Donate: Your contributions support the planning and execution of events that enrich our community.
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The 70th anniversary of the Vytautas the Great Unit is a profound achievement for the Lithuanian diaspora, symbolizing seven decades of dedication to preserving and promoting Lithuanian culture in Chicago. As the unit looks forward to the future, the commitment to adapting to modern challenges, engaging younger generations, and strengthening ties with Lithuania remains stronger than ever. This milestone is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to action for the future, ensuring that the legacy of the Lithuanian National Guard continues to thrive in the years to come.
Resources
- Visit Kronika.lt
- Visit the official page of Lietuvos Šaulių Sąjunga
- Explore the Virtual Exhibition on Lithuanian Riflemen Union in Exile
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.
