Latvia's 100th Year of Independence

This year, Latvia has been anticipating the celebration of its 100th year of independence on November 18.  In Riga and outlying cities that we visited, there were signs of this anticipation with Latvian flags put up year round, the words "100 years" on signs and in windows, etc.  We were excited to be here during such a special year.  And only Latvians truly know what this year of independence means to them, but during our time of living here, I have come to appreciate Latvians more and why they are so excited to celebrate.  Latvia has been under the control of many countries in its history like the Germans, Swedes, Polish, and Russians.  Most recently, the Soviets occupied Latvia for 50 years from 1940-1991.  This was after they gained their independence in 1918, so their Independence was "interrupted."  They were years of oppression, loss of freedom and living under communist control being surrounded by their daily propaganda along with mass deportations of Latvians to Siberia to work in work camps, food and basic supply shortages, etc.  This was less than 30 years ago, so it's still very real and fresh for most Latvians.  I was excited for them, that they were getting to celebrate their continued independence!

At the International School of Latvia, traditional clothing from the five provinces, instruments, handicrafts and woodworking, photography, etc. were on display the week of Latvian independence day.

 The weekend of celebrating started off with "Staro Riga" where the city was lit up with light displays and colors of the national flag.

 Balloons that light up and light up sticks were being sold, so of course the girls wanted them.  We wanted to join in the festivities and celebrating so we bought them.  Thomas was away until Sunday with the Robotics team in Warsaw, so he missed out.  I forgot to get a picture with him, but Janis, Thomas' Young Men's president at church, joined us after we cleaned the church with him.  It was fun walking around talking with him.  He's very quiet, like most Latvians in general, but when I asked questions, he interacted more and we enjoyed getting to know him better.

 A variety of light displays.

 A projected light presentation on the front of the Latvian bank.
 And pictures displayed of all those people present at the signing of the documents that declared Latvia's independence.

 Pictures of famous Latvian artists were projected on the side of an art building.
 Another fun light display.  We still can't figure out what the numbers represent.
 And the symbol of Latvia's freedom, The Freedom Monument, surrounded by flowers and preparing for speeches given by the Latvian president.
 A kaleidoscope light display.On November 18th, the actual day of Independence, we drove as close to the city as we could while trying to avoid dealing with pre and post celebratory traffic.  We then walked across the bridge over the Daugava river into the city.   It was all lit up in the colors of the country's flag, red and white.
The National Museum lit up with shining, moving lights in the sky.And I think it was a full moon trying to creep through the clouds.
 Riga Castle in patriotic colors, where the President of Latvia lives.
By the castle, and on the roads next to the Daugava river, hundreds of people, and then thousands of people gathered to watch the President speak and choirs sing from the Freedom monument, as we awaited the big fireworks display.

It was a very cold night!  We dressed in layers--here's Rhea in her unmatched layers, trying to stay warm.  You can't tell, but she's got like three layers of shirts and two layers of pants. :)

And Thomas covering as much of his face as he could.After watching the choirs, we decided to walk back over the bridge and watch the fireworks on the side of the bridge that we parked our car.  We could see hundreds of people on the bridge, and because it would be the only way back across, we knew we had to move or we would be dealing with crowds and traffic for three hours.  It ended up being perfect because we were closer to the fireworks on the water and a shorter walk to the car where there was no traffic getting home.The fireworks started off with the National Anthem, and then after that, all we could hear were the fireworks.

And here's the finale.  The fireworks were awesome and well worth battling the cold!

After walking back to the car and driving home, Briant carried in a tired Rhea, having fallen asleep in the car.  We had a fun weekend of celebrating and appreciating Latvia's freedom and we'll never forget it!  Celebrating with them of course in turn has made us reflect on our own freedoms and appreciate them all the more.  We have been so blessed in the United States, and living in Angola while celebrating their 40th year of independence and now in Latvia for their 100th year, this fact has been reiterated.  We can never forget the sacrifices of those that made our country's freedom possible, and for the democratic form of government that was established.  We have never experienced the challenges and hardships that others have faced at the hands of communist leaders and government, and pray we never will!  Seeing the effects and consequences of them here in Latvia is enough.