Founded on December 13, 1964, in Cicero IL, a town known for its strong community spirit, the Klaipėda Company was established inspired by the Gen. T. Daukanto Company to honor and sustain Lithuanian maritime traditions among those living abroad. Klaipėda Company is part of the Lithuanian National Guard.
Current Leadership
Commander: Giedrius Bikulčius (since 2015)
Vice Commander: Julius Bružas
Secretary: Audronė Bernatavičienė
Historical Leadership
Founders and Early Leaders
- Juozas Žemaitis (1964-1965)
- Stasys Bernatavičius (1965-1971)
- Kazys Klinauskas (1971-1973)
- Karolis Milkovaitis (1973-1980)
- Juozas Mikulis (1980-2015)
- Giedrius Bikulcius (2015-present)
Klaipėda Company Flag
The initial meeting was fueled by maritime enthusiasts from the Cicero area, culminating in the establishment led by Gvidas Valantinas, head of the LSST Maritime Riflemen Section. The charter was signed by twenty-one individuals dedicated to preserving and promoting Lithuanian maritime heritage: Vytautas Reivytis, Stasys Vabalaitis, Juozas Žemaitis, Vytautas Galvydis, Vidmantas Žilinskas, Petras Stoncelis, Juozas Stoncelis, Juozas Sukackas, Algimantas Valeika, Gvidas Valantinas, Albertas Kvecas, Aldona Baukienė, Aleksandra Barkauskienė, Helen A. Gudauskas, Vladas Gražys, Kaziemieras Vasiliauskas, Sigute Žemaitienė, Jonas Šumakeris, Bronius Bartkus, Ona Dobilienė, Viktoras Motušis, Stasys Bernatavičius.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Juozas Žemaitis | First Chairman |
| Juozas Sukackas | Vice Chairman |
| Petras Stoncelis | Secretary |
| Algirdas Valeika | Treasurer |
| Albertas Kvečas | Training Officer |
| Stasys Vabalaitis | Shooting Officer |
Flag Inauguration
The flag was ceremonially bestowed on May 7, 1967, during the company’s third anniversary. Important signatories included:
- Rev. Dr. A. Juška, who blessed the flag
- Sofia Diržienė, godmother of the flag
- Juozas Gribauskas, patron of the flag
- Stasys Bernatavičius, Chairman during the flag ceremony
Annual and Special Events
- “Švyturio” Ball
This gala is a major event in the Klaipėda Company’s calendar, serving as the main fundraiser. It includes cultural performances, traditional Lithuanian food, and a raffle, drawing community members to celebrate and support our mission. - Jūros Dienos (Sea Days)
Held in rotation with other maritime riflemen companies near Lake Michigan, these events feature picnics, water sports, and games, building a strong community connection to Lithuanian maritime traditions. - New Year’s Celebration and Midsummer Festival (Gegužinė)
These smaller, often intimate events allow our members to celebrate traditional Lithuanian holidays, strengthening community bonds.
- Publishing Historical Works
In 1979, the Klaipėda Company funded the publication of Prel. Dr. Juozas Prunskis’s book, “Lithuania Under Bolshevik Occupation,” included an English edition in 1982, broadening its influence.
Memorial and Commemorative Events
The company actively participates in memorial events, including laying wreaths, maintaining gravesites, and participating in ceremonies that highlight our cultural memory and historical awareness.
Training and Development
Members compete in shooting competitions for a traveling trophy, which helps enhance their skills and camaraderie, emphasizing discipline and precision vital to the riflemen’s heritage.
Uniform and Traditions
Wearing naval uniforms and traditional Lithuanian attire at public appearances and events is key to preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage, educating the community about our traditions.
