For visitors

On June 24, commemorations of the Rainiai martyrs took place, reaching their traditional culmination during the night of June 24–25. The events brought the community together in remembrance of one of the most tragic chapters in Lithuania’s history.

At dusk, a night tour titled “The Rainiai Tragedy: Memory Lives On” was held at the Rainių Kančios koplyčia and in the surrounding forest. The event quietly and respectfully recalled the night of June 24–25, 1941, when Soviet security forces tortured and murdered 76 political prisoners in the Rainiai forest.

The event was organized by Samogitian Museum “Alka” cultural communication specialist Donata Kazlauskienė, who noted that the memory of the Rainiai tragedy has remained alive for 84 years—as a lasting reminder of conscience. Now in its fifth year, the night commemoration has become not only a tribute, but also a quiet and increasingly profound inner journey into a historical pain that must not be forgotten.

This year, particular attention was given to the scouts—eleven young men who remained faithful to their oath: to God, Homeland, and Neighbor. Vilius Viktoravičius, spiritual leader of the Lithuanian Scouts, spoke about their role during World War II, emphasizing their courage, resilience, and commitment under difficult circumstances. He also highlighted the continued relevance of scout values today.

The lives of the scouts and their experiences in prison were presented by museum historian Janina Bucevičė, revealing both historical facts and deeply personal stories.

Each year, more organizations join the initiative to honor the martyrs at night. This year, responding to the invitation, Sandra Leliūgaitė, a graduate of the Vilnius Academy of Arts Telšiai Faculty, created a light and sound installation in the Rainiai forest. Through light, sound, and silence, participants symbolically walked through the darkness where humanity had once been destroyed.

Folk songs performed by museum educator Diana Bomblauskienė together with participants around a symbolic bonfire created a sense of unity and reverence—a living link between historical suffering and present-day memory.

The organizers thank all who participated. Memory lives as long as we carry it in our hearts.

Information provided by the Samogitian Museum “Alka.”