Usual forces to provoke on March 16

  • 2014-03-12
  • From wire reports, RIGA

On March 16, Latvian Legion Day, the activities of "anti-fascist" organizations and their representatives will be, as usual, aimed at dividing Latvia's society, said the Security Police, reports LETA.

These organizations will justify their actions with the myth of a “glorification of fascism in Latvia,” though this is a myth which they have created, and continue to promote, themselves, explained the Security Police.

Just like in previous years, several individuals and groups are planning to act provocatively to divide Latvia's society and draw the attention of the international media, trying to discredit Latvia, added the Security Police.

The March 16 Latvian Legion Day is the day of remembrance of the Latvian Legionnaires. Latvian Legion Day was established in exile by "Daugavas Vanagi." March 16 was chosen as the most appropriate date because on March 16, 1944 both divisions of the Latvian Legion fought alongside for the first time against the Red Army. It was the only battle in World War II led solely by Latvian commanders.

Many Latvians, who were forcibly called up to join the Latvian SS Legion, saw the German army as a lesser of two evils: the totalitarian regimes represented by the Soviet Red Army and the Nazi forces. For many of these soldiers, the choice to join the Latvian SS Legion was a result of the brutal Soviet occupation between 1940 and 1941, during which tens of thousands of Latvians were executed or deported to Siberia. Many soldiers naively believed that, if they helped Germany win the war, Latvia might have been rewarded with independence or autonomy.

Latvian Legion Day is an unofficial holiday.