The Lithuanian National Guard companies are committed groups within the global Lithuanian community. They strive to maintain and promote Lithuania’s military and cultural heritage. These companies exist in various counties, cities, states, and countries, fostering Lithuanian traditions, values, and national pride among the diaspora.
Heritage
At the core of Lithuania, a nation bordered by the Baltic Sea and often challenged by larger neighbors, our resilient spirit led to the creation of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LSS). Established in 1919 by journalist Matas Šalčius and patriot Vladas Putvinskis-Putvys, the LSS emerged from the necessity to defend Lithuania’s independence and foster a national ideology through military and cultural efforts.
Historical Challenges
During the Soviet occupation in 1940, the LSS activities drew significant scrutiny, leading to the arrest and deportation of many members to Siberia. Despite these difficulties, the spirit of the LSS survived, and its mission persisted overseas.
Cultural Preservation Abroad
As a cultural organization, the Lithuanian National Guard (Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in Exile), registered in 1954 in Chicago, USA, is committed to preserving Lithuanian heritage and securing its continuity. This involves remembering past achievements and actively promoting the significance of Lithuania’s martial traditions in new surroundings.
The revival of the Riflemen’s spirit resulted in the formation of companies named after prominent figures and locations in Lithuanian military history. The first such company abroad, named after General Teodoras Daukantas, was soon followed by the establishment of the “Klaipėda” company on December 13, 1964, in Cicero, highlighting the importance of Klaipėda and its maritime heritage.
Companies Around the World
As our community expanded, so did the number of companies, which now extend across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Each company preserves and strengthens the Lithuanian martial and cultural traditions within its local communities.
Our Companies
| Company | Location |
|---|---|
| Vytautas Didysis | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| J. Daumantas | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| T. Daukantas | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| R. Kalanta | St. Petersburg, Florida, USA |
| Klaipėda | Cicero, Illinois, USA |
| A. Ramanauskas-Vanagas | Lantana, Florida, USA |
| Baltija | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| V. Putvis | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Švyturys | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| J. Vanagaitis | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| North California & Mexico | San Francisco, California, USA |
