On August 23, 1989, more than 2 million people in the Baltic States formed a 600-kilometer-long living chain through all the Baltic States. Today, in memory of the Baltic Way campaign, various commemorative events are taking place throughout Latvia and abroad. One of them takes place in the Old Town, where people form a living chain from the Freedom Monument to the People’s Front Museum.
At the Latvian Radio event, it was observed that people of different ages arrived – both young and old, with and without children. There is a patriotic mood, many hold the flags of the Baltic States. People also have the flags of the Belarusian opposition.
On the anniversary of the Baltic Way in Riga, people form a living chain from the Freedom Monument to the People’s Front MuseumKristaps Feldmanis
–
–
The addressed participants of the event have either participated in the Baltic Way themselves, therefore they have arrived today or were born after the campaign, however, they consider it important to mention it. All the speakers also came to support the people of Belarus.
The event was also attended by President Egils Levits. “I myself took part in the Baltic Way 31 years ago, and of course we understood and knew very well at that time what it means to support our independence and democracy movement outside Latvia. It is our duty now as a civil society to support the Belarusian people’s demands for free and democratic Belarus, “said Levits.
Romualds Ražuks, the former chairman of the People’s Front, addressed the audience. “What we stood for then and what the Belarusian brothers stand for now coincides. We were against lies, for freedom, against fear. Each of us wishes them to be with us as they are to us. If there will be free people in a free Belarus, our Latvia will be much safer, “said.
People from the Freedom Monument to the People’s Front Museum handed down the Latvian and Belarusian flags. Both the generation that participated in the Baltic Way of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia 31 years ago, as well as the younger generation, have come here to support the people of Belarus in this way.
“I didn’t participate in the Baltic trip myself, I was probably about three or four years old at the time, but my parents have told me a lot. That time has been very important for Latvia and that’s why we are here today,” said Liene, the event visitor.
Many also carry their own Latvian and Belarusian flags. Also balloons in white and red, and an impressive size of the Belarusian flag. People do not shout any slogans, there are no posters with loud slogans, but there is silence. “I’m in favor of not being so violent towards people. No matter what he thinks or says. Because so-called freedom of speech exists everywhere. What is it about freedom when we see on the internet that people are so very upset there and that is such torture? ” pointed out May.
Peaceful actions and songs helped the Baltics to overcome the violence, the Belarusians hope that they will succeed. Ignats moved to Latvia 16 years ago. “I do not know why everyone thinks that retirees support Lukashenko. I am from a generation that remembers his very first promises. He said then: if I get tired of you, tell me and I will leave. Those are his words. I would like to remind him. How long can we believe this? How many times do you have to tell me to leave? ” so in turn Ignatius.
Similar solidarity actions on the anniversary of the Baltic Way took place elsewhere in Europe and the world today. Today, the employees and artists of the Valmiera Theater also formed a symbolic chain.
–
Highlight text and press Ctrl+Enterto send the text to be edited!
Highlight text and press Report a bug buttons to send the text to be edited!
–
–
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/3216122/original/034185200_1598150801-suicide-squad-01.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 "GTA 5 Series Developers Announce Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League")