Beneath the canopy of Lithuania’s dense pine forests, the sound of boots on moss is more than just a rhythmic trek; it is a deliberate act of historical preservation. This year, the initiative known as “Samaningi kilometrai” (Conscious Kilometers) is breaking national boundaries, inviting the global Lithuanian diaspora and international allies to walk the symbolic paths of the “Forest Brothers”—the partisans who resisted Soviet occupation following World War II.
Organized by the Ministry of National Defence in collaboration with the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the project enters its third year with a significant shift in scale. What began as a local commemorative walk for the Day of Tribute to Partisans, the Military, and Society Unity has evolved into an international movement. On May 16, hikers will not only traverse the traditional routes of Trakai, Merkinė, and Kėdainiai but will also gather in Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the United States.
A Global Tribute to the ‘Forest Brothers’
The theme of this year’s initiative, “Conscious with Moss,” draws on the imagery of the Lithuanian landscape that served as both a home and a fortress for resistance fighters between 1944 and 1953. For many in the West, the end of World War II in 1945 marked the beginning of peace; for Lithuania, it signaled the start of a brutal decade-long guerrilla war against Soviet forces.
By expanding these hikes to NATO allies and major diaspora hubs, organizers aim to bridge the gap between historical memory and modern civic duty. Robertas Kaunas, the Minister of National Defence, emphasizes that these steps are a direct response to contemporary challenges. “Today, forces hostile to Lithuania are trying to rewrite history and weaken our self-confidence,” Kaunas stated. He noted that every step taken on these forest paths serves to protect the truth and honor the sacrifice of those who refused to let their national identity be erased.
Countering Historical Revisionism Through Action
The expansion to the United States and various European capitals reflects a growing need to unite the Lithuanian community abroad with the reality of the country’s security heritage. The participation of allies in Norway and Belgium—the heart of NATO operations—underscores the strategic importance of historical awareness in modern defense.
Colonel Linas Idzelis, Commander of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, explains that the partisans did not seek adventure, but acted out of a lack of choice. “They went because their families, their homes, and Lithuania were behind them,” Idzelis said. He believes that by walking these paths today, participants demonstrate that freedom remains a primary value that requires active protection, regardless of where a person currently resides.
The Science of Memory: Eco-Acoustics and Authentic Narrative
To deepen the immersion, the 2024 hikes will incorporate “eco-acoustics,” a burgeoning scientific field that captures the unique sounds of the environment. Each hiking route will feature a unique soundtrack based on recordings of the soil and ecosystem from that specific location. This auditory experience is designed to help hikers feel a physical connection to the land the partisans defended.
In addition to the environmental sounds, participants will have access to authentic narratives and historical broadcasts via a dedicated section on the LRT (Lithuanian National Radio and Television) portal. These audio guides provide context on the daily lives, choices, and hardships of the resistance fighters, transforming a physical exercise into an educational journey.
How to Join the International Movement
While the main commemorative events will culminate on May 17 in Kėdainiai, the global hikes on May 16 are open to individuals, community groups, and colleagues. The initiative encourages participants to form teams and establish a new tradition: dedicating the third weekend of May to understanding the history of freedom struggles through meaningful time in nature.
For the Lithuanian diaspora in the UK and elsewhere, the message is clear: the network of civic-minded individuals is a “silent force” that provides a foundation for national resilience. Whether walking through a forest in Lithuania or a park in a foreign city, the act of remembrance serves as a promise to cherish and defend the hard-won liberty of the Baltic states.
Further information and registration details can be found at the official Ministry of National Defence website: https://kam.lt/samaningikm/
Original reporting by: silale
Source: Šilalės rajono savivaldybė
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