Riflemen, youth, and diaspora – including Lithuanian National Guard Unit leader Linas Orentas – united in a weekend of tradition, awards, sports, and fellowship at the historic estate of founder Vladas Putvinskis.
The traditional Vladas Putvinskis–Pūtvis Club gathering took place on September 13–14 at the estate of Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union founder Vladas Putvinskis in Graužikai. Riflemen and club members arrived from across Lithuania – Kaunas, Klaipėda, Kėdainiai, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Biržai, Jurbarkas, Tauragė, Marijampolė, Vilnius – joined by youth from the Western (Sea) Riflemen’s 3rd, Žemaitija Riflemen’s 8th, P. Plechavičius Riflemen’s 6th, and A. Smetona Riflemen’s 5th units.
The gathering was honored by distinguished guests, including Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras, Deputy Commander of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union Lt. Col. Gediminas Latvys, Mayor of Kelmė District Ildefonsas Petkevičius, and Šaukėnai V. Putvinskis Gymnasium Director Rima Andrulienė. Notably, Linas Orentas, Commander of one of the Lithuanian National Guard Units, also participated, highlighting the strong ties between the homeland and diaspora riflemen.
Ceremony and Awards
During the official opening ceremony, several riflemen received awards from the Ministry of Lithuanian National Defence, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, and the Club. In his remarks, Club President Stasys Ignatavičius emphasized that the Club’s mission remains true to Putvinskis’ ideology: to remember, honor, and preserve.
Sports and Fellowship
After the formal program, participants competed in traditional sports: air rifle and archery shooting, anchor throwing, fishing, military boot throwing, chess, land fishing, tug-of-war, and more. The Klaipėda team took the overall victory and received the winner’s cup, followed by Šiauliai in second place and Telšiai in third.
Learning and Culture
The event also featured a lecture-discussion on the geopolitical situation delivered by Col. (ret.) Gintaras Bagdonas. Evening fellowship was enriched with a concert by the folk band Geras čėsas. Once again, the gathering was supported by the culinary team of the P. Plechavičius Riflemen’s 6th unit, led by Capt. (ret.) Vytautas Jankauskas, ensuring that no one is left hungry.
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This report is based on official information provided by the Vladas Putvinskis–Pūtvis Club.
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