Australian Lithuanian History

Equator-crossing ceremonies evolved from a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough voyages.   Lithuanians coming to Australia by ship were initiated into this rite after crossing of the Equator.  The ceremony usually involved everyone onboard, King Neptune, dressing up and lots of water.   This memorable event was often acknowledged with a certificate. Eighteen-year-old Renoldas Čėsna was on board the Castelbianco bound for Melbourne in 1949.  He travelled with his parents and sister, along with another 911 refugees from Eastern Europe: Balts, Polish, Yugoslavs, Ukrainians, Russians, Hungarians and Germans.  Renoldas kept a diary of his journey from Naples, Italy, to Australia.  This is his translated account of the equator crossing ceremony. 1949.III.7 Indian Ocean We sailed across the equator.  For that occasion, a baptism was held. King Neptune carrying a pitchfork and a few princesses ...

  The Australian Lithuanian War Veterans Association ( Ramov ė ) comprises of former members of the previously independent Republic of Lithuania (1918-1940) armed forces.  The purpose of the organisation is to encourage the camaraderie traditional among ex-soldiers and to maintain and foster Lithuanian heritage, customs and culture. Canberra veterans chose to construct a monument dedicated to honour the victims of terror of communism for wanting to rebuild independent Lithuania.  It was built in the garden of the Canberra Australian Lithuanian Club, when it was located at 64 Wattle Street, Lyneham, an inner northside suburb of Canberra. The initiator and designer of the monument is Feliksas Borumas, who personally executed the construction work with major assistance by LKVS Ramov ė Canberra branch secretary, Liudas Budzinauskas and other LKVS members of Canberra Ramov ė organisation.  The intention was that it would stand indefinitely as a witness and proof ...