The grave of Bronius Jonušas – a return to his native land
At the Ylakiai Cemetery, stop by the grave of composer Bronius Jonušas. This stop on the route tells the story of the long journey from his homeland and his return to it, which took place after the composer's death.
In 1944, Bronius Jonušas fled to Germany, and in 1949 he left for the United States of America. While living abroad, he directed Lithuanian choirs, taught music, and composed. His life continued far from Lithuania, but Lithuanian music remained an important part of his activities. The composer died on February 12, 1976 in Omaha.
More than three decades later, in June 2009, the remains of Bronius Jonušas were brought to Lithuania and reburied at the Ylakiai Cemetery. That year marked the 110th anniversary of his birth. Thus, the composer returned to his eternal rest in the land where his life and first acquaintance with music began.
One of Bronius Jonušas' marches is titled "Let Us Go to the Homeland." At his grave, this title takes on a special sound – it reminds us of the longing for our homeland and the connection to home that distance does not erase.
Take a moment of silence for a man whose music still resonates. Along this path, his memory is witnessed by his birthplaces, people's stories, and works, and here you can simply stop and pay your respects.
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