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The Birthplace of Signatory Saliamonas Banaitis
Sudovia
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Šakiai district
The Birthplace of Signatory Saliamonas Banaitis
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In this former homestead was born and raised Saliamonas Banaitis (1866–1933), a Signatory of the Act of Independence of February 16, 1918, and one of the key figures of Lithuania's national revival. The Banaitis home served as a gathering place for book smugglers, national movement organizers, and prominent intellectuals such as Jonas Basanavičius, Vincas Kudirka, and Pranas Vaičaitis. Actively involved in the struggle for Lithuanian press, Banaitis later established a printing house in Kaunas, where the newspaper Lietuvos balsas began publication. Elected to the Council of Lithuania in 1917, he signed the Act of Independence, organized volunteer units, and contributed to the founding of the Farmers' Union, the Trade and Industry Bank, and the Lithuanian Shipping Company. His son, composer and professor Kazimieras Viktoras Banaitis (1896–1963), also grew up here and went on to create numerous vocal and instrumental works, harmonizing around 500 Lithuanian folk songs.

Although the original homestead buildings have not survived, the site preserves its historical significance. A memorial stone with a commemorative plaque marks the birthplace of the signatory and his composer son. Nearby stands a wooden, stylized information board, and in the 1990s a standardized Signatory's marker-designed by architect Stasys Lankelis-was installed. This place invites visitors to pause where the ideas of Lithuania's national awakening once took root and helped shape the country's cultural and political foundations.

Saliamonas Banaitis died on May 4, 1933, and was buried in the Petrašiūnai Cemetery in Kaunas.

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Vaitiekupiai, Šakių r.

Cultural heritage
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