Riga – Freedom Monument (Brīvības Piemineklis)

The city’s freedom monument, which was built to commemorate those Latvians who died in the country’s war of independence between 1918 and 1920. The monument was unveiled on 18 November 1935 and it stands 42 metres high, being made of granite, travertine and copper.

From 1935 until 1940 there was a guard of honour which took place in front of the monument, in tribute to those who had died. When Latvia was occupied the practice stopped, but it was reintroduced in 1992. The guards change hourly and walk slowly in pairs, although they don’t have to do this in adverse weather conditions.

Running at the moment in front of the monument is a display of individuals who have helped to form the history of Latvia over the last 100 years. The actually centenary of the country’s independence will be held on 18 November 2018, so there are a number of events which are taking place in the lead up to that date.

One of the images, this one is of Skaidrīte Vēgnere-Plismane, a volleyball player in the 1930s who came from Riga.

The display was popular with visitors.