A historic gathering of diaspora Guard members, uniting for oaths, traditions, and Lithuanian cultural pride in California
The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (Lietuvos Šaulių Sąjunga) is the official organization operating in Lithuania, while the term Riflemen’s Union in Exile refers to the Lithuanian National Guard (LNG) – a nonprofit organization uniting Lithuanian National Guard units outside Lithuania. Although sharing historical roots and values with the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the LNG functions independently in the diaspora, preserving Lithuanian culture, heritage, and patriotism abroad.
During the Easter weekend, from April 18 to 20, 2025, in Jackson, California, the Grand Duke Algirdas Northern California and Mexico Unit of the Lithuanian National Guard held its assembly. The event, which began on Friday, attracted active participant interest and extended until Monday, April 21. Guard members and their families gathered from California, Nevada, Oregon, and Mexico. The warm and communal atmosphere was created by shared activities and a shared goal – strengthening the Lithuanian spirit and nurturing patriotism.
Official Oath Ceremony and Company’s Growth
The main highlight of the assembly was the oath-taking of new members, held on Sunday, April 20, at the homestead of the event’s organizer and company leader, Vita Gailiūnaitė.
“I’m happy that our company is growing and the community is strengthening,” shared Vita Gailiūnaitė.
The Advisor to the Commander of the Lithuanian National Guard, Gintautas Vasilevskis, accepted the oaths of the new members. Jolita Mikštaitė, President of the Lithuanian Community in Mexico, became a Guard member and was appointed the second Deputy Commander of the Grand Duke Algirdas Lithuanian National Guard Unit. Danielius S. Davidėnas, a third-generation Lithuanian American, also became a Guard member. Five new Guard members were sworn in, some arriving from Reno (Nevada), Walnut Creek, and Morgan Hill (California). The event also welcomed six unit supporters who assisted with its activities, showed interest, and are future candidates for membership.
Additionally, Asta Kulikauskaitė, a member of the Belgium-Netherlands and France units of the Lithuanian National Guard, attended the assembly.
“I’m very happy that there are Guard members in America – I could even say they preserved Lithuania’s independence and the Lithuanian National Guard itself when it couldn’t exist in Lithuania. The diaspora safeguarded it, which is why the Lithuanian National Guard has existed for 150 years. The strength of the American Guard members is uplifting, spiritual – something we might feel less in Europe or Lithuania. While Europe also feels Lithuanian pride, in America it’s especially strong. I’m deeply inspired by the event and the strength of the Guard,” shared Asta.
An Active and Meaningful Program
Participants enjoyed not only the official parts of the assembly but also a rich program of entertainment.
On Friday, arrivals spent time independently in the nearby town, while others enjoyed each other’s company. On Saturday, a hike around Tabeaud Lake was challenging – participants used ropes and leaped over marshes – and full of unexpected discoveries: natural shapes resembling historical Lithuanian symbols.
“During the hike around Tabeaud Lake, we found interesting things. A tree resembling the Columns of Gediminas, and stones arranged among the trees looking like the seal used by Grand Duke Algirdas. It felt like an amazing coincidence,” said unit leader Vita Gailiūnaitė.
After the hike, participants went on an exclusive limousine tour of the Plymouth wine region. Wine tastings at Helwig Vineyards & Winery and Story Winery left unforgettable impressions.
On Easter Sunday, the assembly continued with an excursion to Black Chasm Cavern, whose unique geological formations captivated children and adults. After the tour, Guard members and their families gathered for a festive Easter lunch on Vita Gailiūnaitė’s homestead terrace, enjoying Lithuanian warmth and togetherness. Many are delighted to decorate Easter eggs together, play traditional games, and sing songs. After lunch, participants filled out the necessary documents, swore their oath to Lithuania, and became members of the Lithuanian National Guard.
Guard members shared their impressions on Monday, discussed plans, and strengthened their relationships.
“This assembly showed that our community is growing and becoming one big family. I’m glad a tradition is being born, one that I believe will last many years,” said company leader Vita Gailiūnaitė.
LNG Protecting Against Cyberattacks and Building Community
During the assembly, Vita Gailiūnaitė had an unpleasant experience – Russian hackers attacked and temporarily suspended her Facebook account. “We’re trying to protect the names and surnames of new members, not revealing them publicly or talking much about them online, so malicious Russian bots won’t target their accounts,” explained the company leader. Bots – automated user accounts, such as those used by Russia, spread disinformation, manipulate opinions, and create chaos in cyberspace.
Currently, Lithuanian National Guard units operating in America are actively working on updating the LNG’s statute. Guard members meet remotely once a week to carefully review each article, discuss possible amendments, and diligently make the necessary corrections.
In Lithuania, Guard members follow the Statute of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, which is approved by state authorities (such as the Seimas or other authorized institutions) and is mandatory for all members.
Meanwhile, the Lithuanian National Guard maintains ties with the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union but operates independently under its own internal rules or statutes.
They often rely on historical Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union values and principles but adopt their statutes separately to align with local laws, diaspora community needs, and different operating conditions. Activities abroad focus on preserving Lithuanian identity, historical memory, and supporting Lithuania, while in Lithuania, the Guard’s work is more closely tied to national defense, civil resistance, and military support.
Švyturys 2025: A Summer Camp in the USA for Lithuanian Youth
The Lithuanian National Guard, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania, will again organize an inspiring and adventure-filled summer camp for Lithuanian youth in the USA in the summer of 2025. The camp is designed for boys and girls aged 12–17 who want to challenge themselves, develop essential skills, and join the Guard community. The LNG has already confirmed the exact camp fees, according to Vita Gailiūnaitė.
This year, two “Švyturys” camps will be organized:
- July 26 – August 1 at Camp Rambynas, San Bernardino County, California;
- August 3 – 9 at Camp Rakas, Custer, Michigan.
The camp fee, including meals, is $375 in California and $350 in Michigan. Preregistration is already active.
Plans are underway to open the camp to younger children (ages 8–12) next year during spring or summer school holidays. The camp is expected to be held at one of the camping sites in Jackson, California.
“The Jackson area is perfect for Guard activities,” shared Vita.
This is an excellent opportunity for young people to experience unforgettable natural adventures, strengthen their connection to Lithuanian culture, and develop leadership and community-building skills.
Rūta Augutienė is a journalist with a master’s degree in analytical journalism from Vilnius University. During her studies, she focused on investigative journalism, and her article on investigative journalism in Lithuania from 2015 to 2020 was published in a Vilnius University scholarly journal. She works as a journalist for Draugas in Chicago, writing about culture, the life of the Lithuanian community, and current affairs in America.
