This article was originally written in Lithuanian by Taura Underienė for Draugas and was translated and edited for publication by Draugas News.
One of Dainava’s most beloved symbols, a Lithuanian wayside shrine known as a koplytstulpis, stood at the end of camp’s entrance, greeting visitors as they arrived. This shrine, crafted by Lithuanian master artisan Viktoras Veselka in 1961, provided a tangible connection to Lithuania’s Catholic heritage and became an iconic image for generations of campers. After withstanding Michigan’s harsh winters and humid summers for over 60 years, the shrine ultimately succumbed to the elements, collapsing in the summer of 2022.
Preserving Veselka’s Creation
Determined to preserve Veselka’s legacy, long-time Dainava volunteer Marius Laniauskas saved the remnants of the original shrine. With Dainava’s Board of Directors committed to restoring this powerful symbol, they turned to Cleveland-based sculptor Marius Narbutaitis, who had already contributed several works to the camp’s Hill of Crosses. Narbutaitis embarked on a meticulous, year-and-a-half-long journey to recreate Veselka’s original shrine, this time forging it in resilient metal to withstand the region’s elements.
On June 4, 2024, Narbutaitis’ 16-foot-tall metal replica was transported to Dainava and installed at the original site, complete with a gleaming silver sun at its peak and a protective fence crafted by the sculptor. The decorative pieces from Veselka’s original shrine were returned to his family.
For Dainava’s founders, volunteers, and campers, the shrine’s restoration represents more than a physical renewal. “May this new shrine inspire hope that future generations will care for this land as devotedly as those who came before them,” remarked one camp board member.
As visitors approach Camp Dainava, the restored wayside shrine now stands tall, a testament to the Lithuanian spirit that first brought the community together in the heart of Michigan.
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