39th Transportation Bn. helps build Strong Europe through Lithuanian road march

Photo By David Overson | Lithuanian Army Lt. Col. Viktoras Bagdonas, chief of staff for the Lithuanian Army "Griffin" Brigade, stands outside of the Lithuanian Tactical Operation Center during Allied Spirit VII, which took place at the U.S. Army's Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Nov. 18, 2017. Approximately 4,050 service members from 13 nations are participating in exercise Allied Spirit VII at 7th Army Training Command’s Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Oct. 30 to Nov. 22, 2017. Allied Spirit is a U.S. Army Europe-directed, 7ATC-conducted multinational exercise series designed to develop and enhance NATO and key partner’s interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David Overson)  

ABROMISKES, LITHUANIA

08.13.2015

Story by Sgt. Daniel Wyatt 

16th Sustainment Brigade

ABROMISKES, Lithuania - Hundreds of patriots gathered for an annual road march to honor their fellow citizens who fought for their country in the tiny village of Abromiskes, Lithuania, July 25.

From all over the country, 300-600 people attended the bicycle ride/road march in Abromiskes known as the Zalio Velnio Takais. Eighteen Task Force Stilwell Soldiers in Rukla and Vilnius, Lithuania, for Atlantic Resolve-North walked nine miles in support of their North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies.

They began in a nearby village where an American World War II-era canon still in use by the Lithuanian Land Forces marked the start. Along the route, re-enactors of various periods of Lithuanian resistance set up stations to mark the path, provide water and stamp hiker’s maps.

Through woods and fields, over train tracks and under highways, 16th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers from 66th Transportation Company, 51st Transportation Company, 386th Movement Control Team, 504th Signal Company, 515th Transportation Company, and 5th Quartermaster Company completed the march.

“This was a once in a lifetime experience to participate in a Lithuanian road march,” said Staff Sgt. Kasie Pavasko, 66th Trans. Company.

The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, an auxiliary military unit consisting of high school cadets and retired service members, the Vilnius Filmmakers Union and the town of Abromiskes used the event to celebrate the 444th anniversary of the village.

The Lithuanians provided logistical support and directed traffic, and their excitement over the American’s participation was apparent. Coordinators waved the registration fee for the Americans, assigned a liaison officer to assist in their arrival, and provided reserved parking for them.

After the march, a handful of U.S. Soldiers stayed for the closing ceremony. A military band played the Lithuanian national anthem while soldiers raised the flag. A guard of honor rendered a gun salute in memory of those who gave their lives in the resistance. The American contingent was later welcomed on stage in gratitude for their involvement in the day’s events.

Retired Capt. Vytas Sareika of the Lithuanian Land Forces handed out participation "diplomas" and traditional Lithuanian cake.

“Too easily and too quickly we forget the sacrifices that others in previous generations have made for our freedom,” said 1st Lt. James Rojek, 66th Trans. Company. “It is events like today that keep their memory alive and remind us of our duty to remain vigilant to the cause of liberty.”

After commending the Lithuanians for their years of resistance and eventual independence, Rojek ended by re-affirming U.S. support for their country, “we will defend Lithuania and our NATO allies. As NATO allies, we stand together.”

• Date Taken: 08.13.2015
• Date Posted: 08.14.2015 09:58
• Story ID: 173182
• Location: ABROMISKES, LT