Commemorating the 1919 Founding, 1954 Diaspora Restoration, and 1989 Revival, the Three Anniversaries Memorial Badge Honors the Legacy of the Lithuanian Riflemen Union
In 2024, the Lithuanian Riflemen Union (LŠS) introduced the “Three Anniversaries Memorial Badge“ to honor three key historical milestones:
- The founding of LŠS in 1919,
- The re-establishment of LŠS in exile in 1954,
- The restoration of LŠS in Lithuania in 1989.
The badge, numbered and presented in velvet boxes alongside a certificate, was designed by Asta Bikuličienė.
Three Key Dates
1919: The Founding of LŠS
The Lithuanian Riflemen Union was founded on June 27, 1919, and proudly operated until July 11, 1940, when the Soviet Union dissolved it following the occupation of Lithuania.
1954: Re-establishment of LŠSI in Exile
On March 7, 1954, the Lithuanian National Guard (LŠSI) was re-established in Chicago under the name Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga treaty (LŠST). In 2024, LŠSI celebrated its 70th anniversary.
1989: Restoration of LŠS in Lithuania
On September 20, 1989, eighteen individuals restored the Lithuanian Riflemen Union (LŠS) at the grave of its founder, Vladas Putvinskis, in Kelmė. This historic event preceded Lithuania’s declaration of independence on March 11, 1990. In 2024, LŠS marked 35 years since its restoration in Lithuania.
The Eighteen Pioneers
Among those who restored LŠS were:
- Romas Zykus (head of the restoration initiative),
- Stasys Ignatavičius (secretary of the initiative),
- Ovidijus Bernatonis (later elected leader of LŠSI),
- and 15 other committed patriots.
Two Organizations, Shared History
Although legally separate entities operating under the laws of their respective countries, LŠS and LŠSI share a common history and mission. Both organizations honor the principles of the pre-war charter, emphasizing patriotism and cultural preservation.
- Support from LŠSI: During LŠS’s restoration in occupied Lithuania, LŠSI provided crucial moral and financial assistance.
- Support from LŠS: Today, LŠS supports LŠSI in its efforts to modernize and engage the diaspora.
LŠSI’s Role in Supporting LŠS
In 1989, Kazys Karuža, commander of LŠSI’s J. Daumantas Company in Los Angeles, played a key role in connecting the newly restored LŠS with LŠSI leaders in the United States. Upon returning from Lithuania, he informed Mykolas Abarius (then LŠSI commander) and Juozas Šiaučiulis (vice commander) about the developments in Lithuania.
Shortly thereafter, LŠSI leaders sent letters of support to the LŠS restoration group, offering congratulations and pledging assistance. News about LŠS’s revival quickly spread across LŠSI branches in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Financial Aid During Difficult Times
Recognizing the challenges faced by LŠS during its re-establishment under Soviet occupation, LŠSI stepped in as one of the first organizations to offer financial aid. This assistance was vital for LŠS to expand its activities and promote its values despite the oppressive circumstances.
Key Contributors
Notable individuals and LŠSI branches that supported LŠS during this period include:
- Mykolas Abarius,
- Juozas Šiaučiulis,
- Prof. Vaidievutis Andrius Mantautas (grandson of Vladas Putvinskis),
- Karolis Milkovaitis,
- Balys Savickas,
- Edmundas Vengianskas,
- Alfonsas Paukštė,
- Vincas Tamošiūnas,
- Juozas Mikulis,
- Justinas Šidlauskas,
- Antanas Gudonis,
- Kazys Karuža,
- Augustas Mylė,
- Povilas Kanopa,
- Juozas Zavys,
- Kunigunda Kodatienė,
- Stasys Lipčius,
- Albinas Miškinis,
- Vytautas Pečiulis,
- Stasys Jokubaitis,
- Eduardas Milkus,
- Stefanija Gofensienė,
- Bronius Valiukėnas,
- Juozas Kinčius,
- Juozas Bagdžius,
- Kęstutis Miklas,
- Algirdas Zenkus,
- Viktoras Šukevičius,
- Sigitas Astrauskas,
- Vytautas Jokubaitis,
- Matas Baukys,
- Jonas Šostakas,
- Regina Juškaitė-Švobienė,
- Stasys Augonis, and many others.
Their efforts provided LŠS with the resources needed to rebuild its foundation and continue its mission.
The Diaspora’s Historical Contributions
Support from Lithuanian Americans for LŠS began long before the Soviet occupation. As early as 1919, diaspora members, such as Dr. Jonas Šliūpas, facilitated substantial donations to aid LŠS during its early years.
Significant Contributions
- In 1920, Jonas Žilius delivered donations totaling hundreds of thousands of Lithuanian Gold, helping LŠS bolster its activities during Lithuania’s struggle for independence.
Collaboration During the Interwar Period
The relationship between LŠS and Lithuanian-Americans grew even stronger during the interwar years.
Homeland Guards (Tėvynės sargai) in the United States
In 1921, under the initiative of Jonas Žilius and Major Povilas Žadeikis, Homeland Guard units (Tėvynės sargų kuopos) were established in the United States to strengthen ties with LŠS. By the end of the year, there were no fewer than 37 such units in the United States.
The LŠS Central Board issued the “Instruction for Lithuanians in America to Form Guard Units” to formalize this cooperation in July 1921. The directive established the following structure:
- Local Units: Lithuanians in American communities would form local units led by a board.
- National Oversight: All American units would form one regional group (a division) subordinate to the LŠS Central Board in Lithuania.
- Financial Contributions: The directive required American units to send no less than 80% of their revenue to the Central Board in Lithuania.
Antanas Žmuidzinavičius’ U.S. Mission
One of LŠS’s founders, Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between the Lithuanian-American community and LŠS. Between 1922 and 1923, Žmuidzinavičius undertook a mission in the United States to strengthen these ties.
Key Achievements
- Distributed publications such as “Idėja ir darbas” (“Idea and Work”) and “Šaulių vadovas” (“Guard Manual”) to Lithuanian communities.
- Promoted LŠS ideals through Lithuanian-American newspapers, including Draugas, Vienybė, and Darbininkas.
- Strengthened relationships with Lithuanian-American organizations, including the Union of Priests in America.
One of the mission’s most significant moments occurred on July 20, 1922, when Žmuidzinavičius laid a wreath on the grave of U.S. Army Lieutenant Samuel J. Harris at Arlington Cemetery. Harris had volunteered to serve in the Lithuanian Army in 1919 and was killed in 1920 during a mutiny by Bolshevik-aligned soldiers.
Afterward, Žmuidzinavičius met with President Warren G. Harding to advocate for Lithuania’s recognition as an independent state. Shortly thereafter, the United States granted Lithuania full diplomatic recognition (de jure).
Financial Contributions and Legacy
From 1919 to 1924, Lithuanian Americans donated $170,000 to LŠS, the equivalent of over one million Lithuanian litas. These funds were primarily used to purchase weapons and other supplies necessary for defending Lithuania’s independence.
Targeted Donations:
In addition to general contributions, Lithuanian-Americans also provided specific funding for:
- Unit flags,
- Uniforms,
- Operational needs of LŠS units, such as those in Perloja, Kaunas, and Marijampolė.
In 1925, the LŠS Central Board sent a second representative, Stasys Kairiūkštis, to the United States to continue fundraising efforts.
Continued Support During Lithuania’s Occupation
Even after Lithuania fell under Soviet occupation, the Lithuanian diaspora continued to support LŠS through the activities of LŠSI. This support became especially crucial during Lithuania’s fight for independence in the late 20th century.
1991 January Events
When tragic events unfolded in January 1991, with Soviet forces attacking Lithuania’s efforts for independence, LŠSI quickly mobilized. Chapters in Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles sent vital supplies to those defending the Lithuanian Supreme Council building.
LŠSI Chronicle in “Draugas”
The diaspora press captured the key developments of the time.
In the November 21, 1991, issue of Draugas, an article covered a meeting of the Lithuanian National Guard (LŠSI) Board held at the home of Commander Mykolas Abarius in Livonia, Michigan. Commander Abarius remarked that while relations between diaspora Riflemen and those in Lithuania were strong after the restoration of independence, the 50-year separation had left lasting differences in perspectives.
The meeting emphasized support for Riflemen in Lithuania and the importance of publishing a unified Riflemen’s publication abroad. Specific evidence of financial support can also be found in the now-digitized Draugas newspaper archives.
The December 29, 2000, issue of Draugas reported that the LŠSI commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ restoration at St. Anthony Parish in Detroit, Michigan. The article mentioned that Commander Mykolas Abarius, also head of the Švyturys Marine Company, had recently returned from Lithuania, where he attended the National Riflemen’s Conference in early November.
Additionally, the article highlighted a 1999 fundraising campaign to purchase a vehicle for the LŠS Central Board in Kaunas. The campaign raised $7,760 in the United States and over $5,000 in Canada.
Older diaspora Riflemen also recall the annual spring festivals held at the Vytautas Didysis Riflemen’s Hall in Chicago to support the publication Trimitas. These events were mainly organized by the late brothers Vitas and Klemensas Stravinskas.
Delegations and Visits
After Lithuania declared independence on March 11, 1990, LŠSI members visited Lithuania more frequently, fostering direct collaboration with LŠS.
Notable Delegations:
- 1992: A delegation of 25 LŠSI members, led by Edmundas Vengianskas, visited Lithuania. They toured regional LŠS units in Alytus, Panevėžys, Šiauliai, Klaipėda, and Kretinga, leaving financial donations for each unit.
- 1994 and 1995: Additional delegations from Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and St. Petersburg strengthened ties further, offering moral and material support.
Building for the Future
As the Lithuanian National Guard (LŠSI) focuses on renewal and attracting younger generations, collaboration with the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LŠS) has grown increasingly important.
The Švyturys Camp 2024
One of the most successful joint initiatives is the Švyturys Camp 2024, a historic camp in Michigan that introduced 21 Lithuanian-American youth (ages 12-17) to LŠS traditions. (More: LRT Lituanica , Svyturys Camp)
Participants learned skills such as:
- Navigation,
- First aid,
- Shelter building,
- Fire making,
- Lithuanian heritage and LŠS history.
Three representatives from LŠS oversaw the camp:
- Sandra Vasiliauskienė (project leader and head of civic education),
- Donatas Vaisvalavičius (instructor and non-formal education teacher),
- Ralfas Andriūnas (instructor and non-formal education teacher).
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
The collaboration between LŠS and LŠSI ensures that their shared legacy of patriotism and service inspires future generations. Both organizations remain committed to strengthening their ties and preserving Lithuania’s cultural heritage at home and abroad.
Vilma Kava is a Lithuanian-American author and journalist with a strong interest in Lithuanian culture and history. She has written two books that explore Lithuania’s heritage and traditions. Vilma regularly writes for Draugas newspaper, offering articles that resonate with the Lithuanian diaspora. She also contributes to the Lithuanian National Guard Facebook page, sharing stories and content that promote community engagement and cultural awareness.
