A Closer Look (Part 67)

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1918. Hey! Cheer up! You're riding a horsey.

A Closer Look (Part 61)

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1918. This is my Dad's older cousin, Henry. Vytas and his brother, Vytas, were the sons of Kazimieras, a brother of my paternal Grandfather, Vytautas.

Here's the original post.

An Independence Day "Minejimas"

Today, February 16, is Lithuanian Independence Day. The holiday celebrates Lithuania's independence, in 1918, from the Russian Empire. Now, of course, there is a second Independence Day—a restoration day—marking the day Lithuania broke from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Lithuanians recognize both days. Traditionally, groups host a "Minejimas," or commemoration, filled with speeches, poetry recitations, music, and dancing. 

Here in Madison, Madison-Vilnius Sister Cities, Inc. organized a similar reception. We gathered at the Central Madison Public Library. We ate some goodies (I baked a Trupininis Pyragas), and then Nijole shared a presentation about the history of the Žaibas Dance Group. Žaibas this year celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary.

Madison, Wisconsin, February 14, 2016. The library offered a beautiful room for the gathering.
 

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Nijole created a display featuring items from Žaibas's history (yes, the group danced at a festival in Japan. And in Argentina).
 

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Ah, "[w]e were so much younger then."
 

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We chatted before the program.

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We stood for the Lithuanian National Anthem. No one had an excuse for not knowing the lyrics.

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Nijole began her presentation.
 

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Current and former Žaibas dancers rose to applause.
 

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Nijole spoke about the history of folk dancing, especially among the Displaced Persons living in postwar camps. You may have seen this photo earlier.
 

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And this one, too.

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We have a great group! 

A Closer Look (Part 41)

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1918. This is my Dad's older cousin, Vytas. Vytas and his brother, Henry, were the sons of Kazimieras, a brother of my paternal Grandfather, Vytautas.

Here's the original post.

Related by Marriage: Church Picnic

Marquette Park, Chicago, Illinois, about 1918. This photo of parishioners picnicking appeared in the 1942 booklet commemorating the 50th Anniversary of St. George's Parish. The photo caption reads, "Do you remember 'way back when?" Mr. Irene's Mom added a few observations as well: "No picnic tables. Long table cloths spread out, had to sit on grass to eat."

This photo reminds me of another snapshot.

A Closer Look (Part 17)

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1918. My Dad's older cousin, Henry, already had his pensive expression.

Here's the original post for this photo.

Locket

Lithuania, about 1918. This is a relative—likely an Aunt—of Suzanne, the wife of my Dad's older cousin, Henry.

Thanks to Suzanne's Granddaughter—my Kaunas Cousin—for making this photo available to us.

Vasario Šešiolikto

"Vasario Šešiolikto" means "February 16," and the date marks the anniversary of Lithuanian Independence. Both the United States and France acknowledged the occasion.

Here's footage of the seventh anniversary celebration of Lithuanian independence, in 1925:

The goateed man in civilian dress is Lithuania's President, Aleksandras Stulginskis. Here are some thoughts about Stulginskis from his Grandson.

We take a break from our exercising.

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1918. My Dad's older cousins, Vytas and Henry, take a break from their horseback ride. We still haven't been able to identify the sisters. My Kaunas Cousin thinks they may be friends of the family. My Toronto Cousin, however, noticed that both girls—and especially the one on the left—share our family's "melancholy eyes."

It was a time when children looked like miniature adults.

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1918. My Dad's older cousins, Vytas and Henry, give horseback riding a try. I don't know who the girls are, but I assume they're sisters—like the brothers, they wear matching ensembles. Their little, booted feet don't even reach the stirrups. If I learn the girls' identity, then I will update this post.

Thanks to my Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Amber Google

Google.lt celebrates Lithuanian Independence Day:

Another Independence Day

Today, February 16, 2013, is the ninety-fifth anniversary of Lithuanian Independence. Although modern Lithuanians also celebrate January 13 as the anniversary of the country's uprising against Soviet occupation, people of the Displaced-Persons generation still commemorate February 16 as the date Lithuania first shook off the Russian yoke in 1918.

Here's footage of the tenth anniversary celebration of Lithuanian independence, in 1928:

The goateed man in civilian dress is Lithuania's President, Antanas Smetona. Smetona's name again is in the news because authorities seek to rebury his body in Lithuania.

("Smetona" is also the Lithuanian word for "sour cream." During Smetona's tenure, the government discouraged people from using the President's name to refer to a dairy product. The preferred word for "sour cream" became "grietine.")

Hat Trick

Lithuania, October 29, 1918. This is Valė, another friend of Ron's family. Compare this hat with the one my Mom's maternal Aunt Dora once wore.

Thanks to my friend Ron for making this photo available to us.