Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga)
Flag of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union
Active	1919-1940 1989-present
Country	Lithuania
Allegiance	Lithuanian Armed Forces
Type	Paramilitary organization
Role	Civilian self-defence institution
Size	<10,000 members
Garrison/HQ	Kaunas
Nickname(s)	Šauliai
Motto(s)	"Nepriklausomai Lietuvai!"
Anniversaries	June 27, 1919 September 20, 1989
Engagements	Lithuanian Wars of Independence Klaipėda Revolt Resistance in Lithuania during World War II January Events in Lithuania
Website	www.sauliusajunga.lt
Commanders
Current commander	Lieutenant colonel Liudas Gumbinas
Insignia
LRU member‘s badge

The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (LRU) or Union of Lithuanian Riflemen (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Šaulių Sąjunga), also referred to as šauliai (Lithuanian: šaulys for rifleman), is a militarised non-profit organisation supported by the State, and this character determines its activities. The activities are in three main areas: military training, sport and culture.

As the organisation was formed, a lot of attention was directed at creating and developing its ideology. Vladas Putvinskis said that “riflemen should carry out their activities with a view of benefitting the Society, thus the riflemen should carry out their activities altruistically on their spare time, using a few free hours a week, without seeking any compensation or privilege”. The organisation experienced some problems with the members abusing their powers, so the leadership put a lot of emphasis on developing values of the organisation.

All members had members' booklets which among other things contained the 10 commandments for the riflemen. As the organisation developed, these main ideological principles changed a bit, but survived until today and The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (LRU) still bases its actions on it.

1. Protect Lithuanian independence and Lithuanian land.

2. Educate yourself and others.

3. Strengthen your body and will.

4. Be disciplined and polite.

5. Respect your weapon.

6. Be just and fair.

7. Keep your word.

8. Stay vigilant.

9. Protect the property of the State.

10. Treasure the Rifleman’s name and the honour of Lithuania.

From the very beginning the symbol of the organisation has been a double cross (Vytis cross) on a shield. This is one of the oldest heraldic symbols used in Lithuania. It is also called the Jagiellonian cross because it was used by the Polish King and the Grand Duke of Lithuania Jogaila. During the Lithuanian Wars of Independence Vytis cross became a state military award. In 1919-1940 the riflemen received member badges with numbers. There was also a separate badge for supporters. The badges were worn not only on uniforms but also on civil clothing.

The current statute of the LRU states that the symbol of the Union is a golden (yellow) double cross, set in a stylised frame of golden (yellow) oak leaves.

The rifleman's badge that the riflemen have the right to wear, is a white darkened metal shield, with a contour of a double cross inside. The height of the badge is 47 mm, and the width is 27 mm. The sign is attached by a metal wrench. A miniature of a rifleman's badge is 20 mm high and 12 mm wide.