If you do not want to defend your homeland – you are not part of it

– You are the founders and singers of one of the events organizing companies. In your program you have concerts such as « Maestro Vytautas Kernagis Music », « Centennial Songs for Lithuania », where patriotic, partisan, national revival and other important songs are played for Lithuania. Why did you choose to sing such songs? What does that mean to you?

– I like older Lithuanian music, especially patriotic, guerrilla and national revival songs. I find a lot of myself in these songs because I am close to values ​​that are conveyed in those songs. I think life as a circle, whose events are repeated, so what was relevant in the interwar period is relevant to today’s person. By singing, I empower myself and express what matters to me. Some texts created 100 years ago are equally relevant today.

Through my music, I want to bring listeners to the past of Lithuania to the past of Lithuania, to allow you to feel that time and to help you understand what Lithuania is great, that it can and needs to be proud. I think that music and art in general can help young people, people form awareness and love towards their homeland. Music facilitates access to national consciousness.

Sender/Personal Archives Photo

– What does love to your homeland mean to you? Where does it come from you?

– First of all, my love for my homeland was instilled by my parents and relatives – an example they show. My grandfather was a member of the Sąjūdis, who cherished Lithuanian and celebrated public holidays with all my heart. For example, while lying in a deathbed, in the hospital, just before January 13, he asked me to attend the commemoration and bring him not forgotten.

My mother, a history teacher, danced folk dances for many years. There he met his dad. Dad 2009 With the Ambersail team, the yacht sailed around the world and invited Lithuanians around the world to sing the anthem on July 6. The older brother is a member of the Riflemen’s Union.

So I grew up in a family where statehood is not theory, but a part of constant conversations about statehood and citizenship at the overall table and proof of this in everyday work.

– I know that you are a member of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Why did you decide to join the Riflemen’s Union and what does it mean to you?

– I am a member of the Honorary Company of the Riflemen’s Union and volunteer at various public events. As a student, I was looking for where I could find examples of masculinity and nurture my patriotism, so the Riflemen’s Union undoubtedly became the place. Here I got the realization that there is nothing « for free »: if you want freedom, peace – be ready for war too. Here I have learned how to take care of not only myself but my family and my relatives, so it gives me peace of mind that I will know what to do in the event of a disaster. Of course, in the Riflemen’s Union, I learned how to deal with weapons, so I will be able to join the ranks of defenders if necessary.

Sender/Personal Archives Photo

– What do you think about the current youth? Recently, there has been an increasing number of statements in the public sphere that they will not defend their homeland, that it is not their war. What would you tell them?

– First of all, I think the young people are very different and diverse. And that’s good, it’s happiness, because it means we live in a democratic society where everyone can express their opinion. But I also think that it is very important to educate young people in any way, but by their example, in their lifestyle. It is very important to show and tell why it is important to defend that homeland.

Young people are also greatly influenced by communities that surround them. It is necessary to show how meaningful activities can be in places such as the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the Lithuanian Scout Union, various political organizations that cherish Lithuanian and so on.

I think it is the duty of every civic person to defend the homeland. After all, you could be born, raised, to make sense, to create your own life – to take all the good your country gives. If you don’t want to give anything to your homeland – you simply are not part of it. You are like a foreigner. You take freedom and opportunities, but you do not want to give your tribute, it is egoism. If any of your life is here, then take responsibility.

Sender/Personal Archives Photo

One of the most common excuses for young people why they do not want to go to compulsory military service will be nine months of time serving their future. But today there are many roads and alternatives to what can be done: National Defense Volunteer Forces, Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, etc., all you have to do is find a place where you feel useful and can realize yourself.

After all, the state is me. And you. And each of us. If none of the defeats, nothing will remain. It is a duty to defend your country. Love. And responsibility. I do not intend to live in a occupied country, where I will be imposed on language, customs, values. Therefore, if necessary, I will defend. And not because of power. And for people. For your family. For the future of themselves and the country.