Honoring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence, the Freedom Monument is the most notable attraction in Riga, Latvia. Symbolizing Latvian statehood, national unity and independence, the Freedom Monument has been able to cultivate engagement with residents and visitors in distinct but equally powerful ways.
Celebrating Latvia’s Battle for Freedom
The Latvian War of Independence was fought from 1918 to 1920, which saw the newly proclaimed Republic of Latvia in conflict with Soviet Russia. The signing of the Latvian-Soviet Riga Peace Treaty in 1920 officially ended the conflict. Plans were almost immediately put into motion to create a monument that would be dedicated to the country’s battle for freedom.
Unveiled in 1935, the Freedom Monument rises nearly 140 feet into the air and features 56 sculptures and bas-reliefs that have been arranged into thirteen groups on four levels, all of which depict Latvian culture and history. The base level of the monument represents Latvia’s work ethic, spiritual strength, and striving for independence. The front of the monument features two travertine reliefs while the other pieces represent Latvian basic values: Work, Guards of the Fatherland, Mother — Family Guard, and Scholars. On the sides, the relief panels represent the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the Latvian War of Independence.
The “Liberty” statue at the top is the most prominent of these features, as the allegorical figure that is affectionately called “Milda” holds three stars above her head, which symbolize the unity of the three historic provinces of Latvia. The words Kārlis Skalbe – ‘Tēvzemei un Brīvībai’ (For Fatherland and Freedom) are inscribed on the based, all of which underscore why it has had such an impact on visitors and residents.
Impacting Hearts and Minds
As an illustration of what the landmark means to the community and country, a two-man honor guard stands at the base of the monument. The guards work in two weekly shifts, with three or four pairs of guards taking over from each other in an hourly ceremony commanded by the chief of the guard, further symbolizing Latvia’s sovereignty.
In 1987, around 5,000 people took part in protests organized by ‘Helsinki-86’ – a movement against the Soviet regime. In 1989, the Baltic Chain saw two million people join hands to form a human chain across the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as a peaceful protest for their freedom from the USSR. The chain ran through Riga and went by the Freedom Monument. Similar protests and events are held in the space throughout the year.
The “Liberty” figure can be seen on products and maps all throughout the region, showcasing the impact the monument has had on the hearts and minds of audiences of all types. All of this highlights the powerful cultural and economic connections the Monument of Freedom has enabled with audiences of all eras.
Personifying the Spirit of Freedom
Financed entirely from public donations and located in the center of Riga, the Freedom Monument has become an essential element of the community and country. Lit up in spectacular fashion at night, the piece is a literal and figurative beacon that showcases how monuments can personify the spirit of something much bigger in a way that resonates with audiences in the present and future.
