Submitted by Kieran Steinberg on the 2024 Winter LLCU program in Latvia…
On our first group outing in Riga, our contact and guide, Otto Tabuns, stopped us on our way to the Central Market. It was freezing, in the negatives, and none of us were truly adjusted to the harsh cold that grips Latvia during its coldest month. He told us of the statue standing high atop a stone pillar, hoisting above her head three stars. She is Liberty – she holds high the three constitutional districts of Latvia. The street we stood looking across was Freedom Boulevard — Brīvības bulvāris, sharing its name with the monument which has stood tall since its unveiling in 1935. The Freedom Monument was a pillar of hope for the Latvian people during the soon-after occupation periods; the Soviet Occupation of 1940 was only replaced by Nazi Germany from 1941-1944 before it resumed until 1990.
Latvia has had a strong and deep history with war and occupation. This first week in the country has centered around learning about this history, and the importance of defense and security. Our partners here in Riga, the Baltic Security Foundation (BSF), have given us the opportunity to learn from the many museums around Riga that tell the stories of Latvia’s intense history — Museums of History, Occupation, and War — as well as directly from Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Mr. Olevs Nikers.
Like many countries that fall within the confines of what we now call “Eastern Europe”, Latvia knows what it’s like to live in fear of the Russian Regime. In fact, it is one of the top contributors to Ukraine, providing more support than the US when compared by spending per GDP; Latvia with 1.1% and the US with .33%. This theme of war and defense for this week, along with Latvia’s continued support for Ukraine aligned perfectly with the arrival of President Zelenskyy (UKR) on Thursday 11 January. We had the amazing opportunity to watch his arrival at Riga Castle on his latest tour for military, financial, and humanitarian support.
Overall, this first week has taught me so much, not just about Latvia specifically, but about Eastern Europe and history as a whole. I can’t wait to learn more about the culture next week! (Submitted on January 13, 2024)
