Freedom Defenders’ Day and the first scout gathering of the year

My heart is still so full with the beautiful memories of our region’s first scout gathering of the year. On a beautiful, sunny and crisp Los Angeles Sunday – January 12, 2020, the scouts gathered for Sunday service at St. Casimir’s Church. Annually we acknowledge the „Freedom Defenders’ Day” – commemorating the 14 victims that lost their lives during Soviet aggression on January 13, 1991.  

14 photos of the deceased were given to scouts, who walked with the procession into the church. A beautiful tribute was read by Reda Perevičienė, enlightening us with a personal story of each person. One by one, as the name was read, the scouts came to the front off the church, holding up the photo for all to see, then placing it on the step of the altar. Seeing our young scouts being so respectful and attentive added to this emotional presentation.

After mass, the scouts filled the hall, eager to have lunch provided for them by our organization and parents. Dessert and coffee were arranged by our veteran women’s scout group Gražinietes.

The formal part of  the day began with the flags being brought in, our national anthem sung, a prayer and reports from the Boy and Girl Scouts given to me, the Regional Director.  Over 100 scouts were present!  Seeing the ages from 5 – 97 was a sight to behold. Our scout organization is alive and well here in Sunny California!

In my speech, I talked about the history of Lithuanian scouts in Los Angeles. The first scout meeting, in the same hall we were in, was November 1, 1951! About 40 scouts gathered. It was tough going at that time – leaders were scarce. The Boy and Girl Scouts had to merge into one unit for over a year.  But obviously the passion for scouting was strong!  69 years later, we are still here, with the support of our pastor Tomas Karanauskas. 

The head leaders of the Girl and Boy Scout troops – Tara Barauskaite and Tomas Petokas, respectively, after 5 years of service transferred their positions to Ringaile Barysaite and Gintas Šlapkauskas. 

Tara and Tomas were invaluable to our scouts. Their dedication, organization and love for scouting shines a bright light and we know that they will not stray far. They left us in great hands with the new leaders.

A new division of Air Scouts was started by Monte Variakojis.  With an impressive wooden propellor used to hold blue ties, 2 boys recited the Scout Oath and the ties were placed around their necks with a beautiful pin of silver wings. 

Medals were also  given to many scouts for their exemplary service.

A moment of silence was held for our dear friend and scout Richard Reivydas. After 4 years living with ALS, he passed on December 18, 2019. He was only 52. He is survived by his wife Jennifer Reivydas, his 2 sons Antanas and Aleksas and many family members.

We concluded with a beautiful circle, everyone crossing their arms and holding hands. I reminded the scouts about the importance of being kind, compassionate, looking at one another eye to eye and being of service. We sang the traditional „Ateina Naktis” to end the day. My heart is full with pride, joy and hope. Lithuanian Scouts is a gift and our future looks bright!

Sigute Miller

Ramiojo Vandenyno Vadė