Latvia remembers Barricade Day victims in special ceremony

  • 2014-01-20
  • From wire reports, RIGA

A number of events have been held in Riga on Jan. 20 in remembrance of the 1991 Barricade Days.

The events marks 23 years after Soviet forces attempted to forcefully remove Latvia's elected government. Thousands of Latvians in turn set up barricades in Riga whilst a number of people died in fighting around the Interior Ministry. 

Saeima Chairwoman Solvita Aboltina and other high-ranking officials placed flowers at the graves of the Barricade Day participants in 2nd Forest Cemetery.

Elsewhere, Saeima Presidium members and MPs took part in lighting a commemorative bonfire at the Saeima building, whilst Aboltina met with persons who worked as reporters and journalists who covered the event.

Various events were also held at the Town Hall Square and Latvian War Museum. A large bonfire was lit Dome Square and a concert in Riga Cathedral was hosted, featuring performances by choir "Ave Sol", "Sinfonietta Riga" string quartet, and other performers.

National flags are out today to honor the defenders of the barricades built in downtown Riga in 1991 following Latvia's declaration on the restoration of independence, and those who were killed when the OMON forces attacked the Interior Ministry.