NEMENCINE, Lithuania - U.S. Soldiers have often celebrated the nation's independence far from home, but this year some of them shared their celebration with allies and friends in Lithuania.
About 80 Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element, currently deployed to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, shared a bit of U.S. culture at a 4th of July barbecue and learned about Lithuanian culture and history as the Baltic country celebrated their nation's birth on July 6.
Between the two days, Soldiers from both countries visited the oldest winery in the Baltic region, toured museums and historical sites, participated in celebrations and learned about each other's nations.
"It's always good to learn about our allies' culture, customs and courtesies," said Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Ramirez, fire support noncommissioned officer, 4th Inf. Div. MCE. "We had a great time."
During the barbecue the sounds of American music and the smells of grilled meat filled the air while the colors of the U.S. flag decorated an area of the Gen. Adolfo Romanauskas Warfare Training Center, in Nemencine, Lithuania, where the 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers are working.
Lithuanian and MCE Soldiers played cornhole, tossed around a softball and enjoyed burgers and music as they mingled and got to know their military partners better.
"The Lithuanians enjoyed seeing some of the things we do for fun," said Maj. Grant Brayley, Information Operations officer, 4th Inf. Div. MCE, who organized the barbecue.
On July 6, the U.S. Soldiers were honored to stand in formation in the plaza of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside some of their other NATO allies as the country kicked off their celebration with speeches, traditional music and dance, and military drill and ceremony demonstrations. Following the statehood day celebrations, Lithuanian citizens thanked the U.S. Soldiers for being in their country and asked to take photos with the Soldiers.
As part of the cultural exchange, a group comprised of both countries' armed forces traveled to the Anyksciu Vynas winery in Anyksciu, Lithuania, and to the nearby Lithuanian Horse Museum. They also attended an annual living archeology event at the country's ancient capital of Kernave, Lithuania, and toured the archeology museum there.
"It was a good opportunity to understand our traditions," said Capt. Darius Toleikis, Information Operations officer, Lithuanian Land Forces. "Each Soldier leaves us with some experience. I have learned lessons myself."
Toleikis added he wished they had more time to share the vast Lithuanian history.
Brig. Gen. Mike Tarsa, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div., who is heading the MCE, said the shared independence between the two nations is an important bond.
"[Maj. Gen. Almantas Leika, commander, Lithuanian Land Forces] has talked to me several times about how important freedom is, how important their independence is ... and how important our enduring friendship is," Tarsa said, adding that he was proud to spend the Fourth of July with the general and his team.
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