Lithuanian Armed Forces Day

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 jacket.  They stood in straight lines as they once must have as soldiers, watched as a wreath of leaves was placed by the statue that stands at Lithuanian House, to commemorate those who died for the homeland. 

They stood proud and tall as the Lithuanian flag was hoisted and sang the Lithuanian anthem with respect and reverence as only those can, who know the price of freedom.

Military Academy celebrates 50 years

First President of Lithuanian Antanas Smetona's Military Academy

The Military Academy began to operate on 8 March 1919. Due to the shortage of officers in the emerging Lithuanian army, courses were short lasting only several months. The first graduates of Lithuanian officers were in July 1919. In 1920 the course lasted for one year, then from 1921 it increased to two years. From 1935 it became a three year course.  

Initially the school was in Kaunas then during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania the School moved to Vilnius in September 1940.

50 years after the schools creation, members of the Adelaide Lithuanian Community commemorated the occasion. Graduates of the Lithuanian Military Academy honoured those who died and living graduates. They vowed to continue to battle with all their strength to assist their homeland and fight for its freedom.

Donations were collected that would go towards Lithuania’s fight for independence.

A beautiful hand written and decorated document featuring a Vytis in the background was created for the occasion.

Captain Zakis

Eduardas Zakis was born 20 April 1904 in Krasniskiu village, Birzai. He attended the Zemelis school and in 1923 enrolled in the Military school. On 7^th September, Eduardas was promoted to Lieutenant.

1927 09 30 Completed the physical education courses at the Senior Officers of DLK Vytautas.

1928 02 22 Assigned to a squadron as an officer.

1928 11 23 promoted to Chief First Lieutenant.

1930 04 30 appointed to the regiment of physical training as Assistant Manager.

1931 11 14 moved to 3rd Squadron.

1931 12 15 Regiment of Education appointed an Assistant Manager.

1933 01 08 sent to courses, appointed to the Sixth squadron.

1933 09 25 severely injured in a bomb explosion.

1933 10 09 graduated from the Weapons of air intelligence course.

1935 01 18 appointed liaison team chief officer.

October 1935 moved to the Third Cavalry Regiment, designated as Engineering Squadron commander.

1935 10 24 passed exams to gain a higher degree, promoted to Captain.

1939 10 13 - 10 28 participated in the march in Vilnius.

During the Soviet Union occupation of Lithuania in 1940 he was dismissed from the army. Towards the end of the war, he moved to the West. He arrived in Australia with his wife Aldona in May 1949 and settled in Adelaide.

He was awarded:

DLK Grade 4 Order of Gediminas (1938)

Lithuanian Independence Medal (1928).

Documents from the Adelaide Lithuanian Archive

Open publication - Free publishing - More army