Baltic States – CIS, Education and Science, Legislation, Lithuania, Security

Photo: lrp.lt

One hundred children are spending their holidays in the camp organised in the territory of a Lithuanian school in Poskoniu village. This year young members of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union were joined by representatives of ethnic communities from Vilnius region and 10 teenagers from Ukraine.

"Lithuania is loved and, if needed, would be defended by Lithuanian citizens of every ethnicity. This is proved by Lithuanians, Poles, Russians and others who are taking part in the camp and in the activities of the Riflemen's Union in order to learn to defend their country. By standing united we are an unbeatable force," the president said.

Nearly 4,500 children are spending summer holidays in 55 camps organised by the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union. Young riflemen are learning theoretical and practical aspects of warfare and are taking part in various exercises. According to the head of state, such camps not only foster citizenship but also love of Lithuania, and unite local ethnic communities.

The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union was founded in 1919. Its activities were suspended during the Soviet occupation but were re-established in 1989. Currently the ranks of the union are growing and it has around 9,000 members.