Embedded Files
In the Dead of Night... August 1, 1944
In the Dead of Night... August 1, 1944
A set of Makauskis's governmental coworkers knocked on his door in the middle of the night saying he and his family had to leave. Immediately. Somehow word got around that he was in danger. Because of his involvement in Lithuania's parliament, "he was a target [for prosecution] and [the entire family] would be kidnapped, taken away to the gulag” when the country was invaded. The family had around 2 hours to pack, create a plan, and leave their home for an unknown future.
"They could take whatever they could carry with them--clothing, a variety of important family photos, and basic necessities like food and water".
"They could take whatever they could carry with them--clothing, a variety of important family photos, and basic necessities like food and water".
The three escaped into the woods, eventually separating to brave different routes. This way, if one party was captured, the other would still have a chance to reach safety. Wife Stefanija with young daughter Ilona of about 4 years travelled together; Jonas followed a different path. The split Makauskis family remained separated for several weeks, likely even a number of months.
"The Silverware Story" - A Piece of Stefanija Makauskis's Legacy
"The Silverware Story" - A Piece of Stefanija Makauskis's Legacy
This story has stayed alive through 4 generations of family history:
Stefanja, Jonas's wife, was always a proud, confident, and humble woman. Upon hearing the news of Lithuania's invasion, some of her first actions were to collect all of the silver, gold, and china around the house.
Then, she dug a hole in the backyard and buried the precious objects, never to be used by anyone again.
At the time, silver, gold, and china were direct signifiers of wealth--similar to expensive pieces of artwork or other material possessions in the present day United States. Stefanija knew that the country's invaders would soon arrive. Soldiers would raid every house they could and exploit whatever materials they were able to access.
Fueled by her pride, patriotism, and a touch of spite, Stefanija did what she could with the little time she had. Burying her precious belongings helped to minimize the damage the soldiers could do to her homeland, even if by the smallest amount. Without the monetary gain of the objects Stefanija buried, Russian soldiers would be that much slower to do more harm.
Today, Stefanija is remembered for her deep fight for justice which meant she had to sacrifice her entire life, friends, culture, and everything she knew, for the safety of herself and her family.
To leave an entire life behind is a feat impossible to imagine without experienced it--through Stefanija, we can remember the lessons of gratitude and love that she lived by to drive all humans to choose to our their best lives each and every day.
Displaced Persons Camps
Displaced Persons Camps
Throughout Europe, D.P. Camps (Displaced Persons Camps) were stationed around Europe, presenting a friendly, safe site to those in need of a home during the many displacements at the time. Stefanija and Ilona cycled through a number of camps, and Jonas through a series of different ones.
The "sound of bombs" were the most memorable parts of some camps. Children ran through abandoned and destroyed buildings as their playground of imagination. Children and parents fought to present a facade of calmness for the others. Every person staying at the camps was living through a similar unknown, even with their drastically different lives. In a uniquely human way, this united them.
Families stayed at camps anywhere between days to months--however long it took to reconnect with family or to find a new home. It was no vacation, but still allowed a rest from global chaos that many countries were experiencing.
Passers-by cycle through D.P. Camp 554, some with bags, bikes, or just clothing. Because everyone came from different backgrounds, experiences at D.P. Camps differed, but many were fundamentally similar.
Sign reads: D.P. Camp 554 Section 1
Emigrants at 554 gather to watch a movie together. Refugees living through immense stress still found ways to engage with humanity through it all.
Sign reads: D.P. Camp 554 Cinema
The Next Step...
The Next Step...
After pushing through numerous D.P. camps, Jonas and family were finally reunited. To immigrate to the states, they needed a sponsor to support their transition. Once found, they could plan the subsequent steps of their immigration story.
International Rescue Committee
International Rescue Committee
A letter like this from the International Rescue Committee signified one's acceptance into the country's immigrant processing. With support from the family sponsoring him, and the larger organization to vouch for his citizenship, Jonas had the opportunity to start his American life.
Below is an appointment card with a Miss D. Valaitis who served as the family representative of the sponsorship. The relationship required trust on both sides for a positive outcome.
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