Australian Lithuanian History

23 November Kariuomines Diena Lithuania Armed Forces Day   While the Returned Soldiers Association Ramovė was active in Adelaide, each year the members would gather to commemorate Lithuanian Armed Forces Day on 23 rd of November. Lithuanian Armed Forces Day is commemorated on the 23 rd of November the date that the Lithuanian army was initiated in 1918.   An exert from an article written by Vladas Radzevicius (date unknown) reiterates what was written in the Melbourne Catholic newsletter, ‘Tėviškės Aidai’; We bow our heads to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for their homeland, so that we may be free.   We bow our heads that one day we will hear the historic cry, ourageous without fear like our father and forefathers, let us pause before the enemy’s path, let us increase our pace for our mother land, and for the Lithuanian State. On that day, the time worn soldiers would dress in their best suits, nothing less than tie and ja...

As Lithuania was occupied until 1991, exiled Lithuanian communities around the world would endeavour to connect in different ways.   One of these was through sport.   Unable to meet in Lithuania at first, the first World Lithuanian Games were held in Canada in 1978. The games were organised by future Lithuanian president, Vladas Adamkus. It was a way of uniting the youth and instilling a spirit of national pride.   In 1983, Chicago hosted the games. The World Lithuanian Days and sport festival was held in Chicago from 25 June to 4 July 1983. A team from Australia was selected to participate and represent all the Lithuanians in Australia. Antanas Laukaitis was the touring party leader, Treasurer and junior boys basketball coach, Don Atkinson, Men’s section leader Jurgis Karpavicius, women’s section leader Marija Atkinson, coordinator of travel and men’s volleyball coach, Jerry Belkus and Public Relations Nita Wallis. From Adelaide went; Basketball Edd...

Father Juozas Nikodemas PETRAITIS MIC Born on July 16th 1922 in Milgaudžius village in the Taurag ė region to Juozapas and Marija.   He came from a farming family, the eldest child of four.   Juozas was active in the local church, and at about the age of 10 decided he wanted to be a priest.   He studied at Gaur ė s primary school, Taurag ė High school and the Telšiai seminary.     During the war he moved to the Kaunas seminary.   He was drafted in the Red Army in 1941.    He fled into Germany with his mother, sister and two brothers.   They remained in DP camps, he was able to continue his studies at Eichstatte Seminary.   Following the end of the war, he travelled to Rome to continue his seminary studies.   He studied at the Gregorium and Angelicum University.   In 1946 he joined the Marian fathers and continued his studies in America, Marina Hills Marion Seminary not far from Chicago.   He was ordained on Asc...