Freedom Monument

Feel free to take a stroll around the impressive Freedom Monument to fully appreciate its meaning. A powerful national symbol in Latvia, it honors the soldiers who gave their lives in the War of Independence from 1918 to 1920. Inaugurated in 1935 and standing 42 meters tall, the monument was completely funded by donations from the Latvian people, which only adds to its significance. At the top, you’ll find a copper figure called “Milda,” representing Liberty, holding three golden stars that symbolize Latvia’s three main historical regions: Vidzeme, Latgale, and Courland. At the base, 56 sculptures and bas-reliefs tell the story of Latvia’s history, culture, and values, depicting scenes of family, labor, struggle, and spirituality, as well as nods to the battles for independence. Speaking of which, let’s take a moment to dive into the history of Riga. Latvia officially became independent in November 1918, but the country wasn’t free just yet, with German troops still occupying the land after World War I. And that declaration of independence wouldn’t last long. A month later, the Bolsheviks attacked, aiming to take control of Latvia. The country found itself stuck between the Bolsheviks on one side and the German forces on the other. This standoff lasted until August 1920, when Latvia finally freed itself from all foreign occupation. This is the moment the monument celebrates! Sadly, Latvia’s freedom didn’t last, as the country was later under Soviet control from 1940 to 1991. During the Soviet occupation, the monument almost faced destruction, and its symbolism was twisted for propaganda, but it stood strong as a silent symbol of resistance for the people until 1991. Today, it’s the heart of national ceremonies, with the changing of the guard happening every hour during the day, and flowers are often placed at its base as a sign of respect. For the locals, this monument is more than just a piece of art: it represents freedom, unity, and the collective memory of a people who’ve fought to keep their identity alive through the ups and downs of history. By the way, did you know that Milda is featured on some Latvian 1 and 2 euro coins?