Latvia commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe

State President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (JV), Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds (P) and other officials took part in the ceremony of laying flowers. The President emphasizes that the defeat of Nazism and the end of World War II is celebrated on May 8. Commemorating millions of Nazi victims and thanking everyone who fought against Hitler’s regime, the world should continue to be reminded that Latvia regained its freedom only after the end of the Soviet occupation almost half a century later, the politician emphasized.

Silina emphasizes that 79 years ago, the Second World War ended in Europe, which ruined millions of lives and destinies. Latvia and other countries were occupied – many regained their independence only several decades after the end of the war.

The Prime Minister emphasizes that the people of Latvia managed to restore their independence, which was taken away from them after the “Molotov-Ribbentrop” Pact concluded by the USSR and Nazi Germany, followed by three occupations and failed efforts to destroy the people’s faith in Latvia’s freedom by force. “That’s why today it is important to continue to protect Latvia and stand up for Ukraine, which is defending its country against invaders,” said Siliņa.

On the other hand, Spruds points out that May 8 is celebrated by the nations of Europe and the rest of the world as the day of commemoration of the defeat of Nazism and the victims of the Second World War. He also emphasizes that the end of the Second World War did not bring the long-awaited peace and freedom to Latvia.

“The millstones of the occupation regime continued to grind the Latvian people until the restoration of Latvia’s independence on May 4, 1990. We can be proud of every soldier, every person who fought for the freedom of our country. The independence and freedom of Latvia is our common duty and responsibility. We protect Latvia together,” says the minister.

May 8, or the day of commemoration of the victims of the defeat of Nazism and the Second World War, is the day when the peoples of Europe and the rest of the world remember the greatest tragedy of the last century. The Second World War began on September 1, 1939, but the war in Latvia began on June 22, 1941. Martial law had been declared in more than 70 countries and it claimed more than one hundred million dead and wounded.

On May 8, 1945, the Second World War ended in Europe and peace came. Unlike Western Europe, where nations regained their independence, this did not happen in Latvia and the Baltics. Latvia restored its independence only on May 4, 1990, which was confirmed by the Constitutional Law on August 21, 1991.

On May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, aware of the threat of the third world war, called for the coal and steel production of the countries to be united in order to ensure peace and improve the standard of living. It was the belief that the development of the countries of the continent can only be ensured by peace, not mutual wars. The first step in the creation of the EU was taken.

In 1985, a decision was made to celebrate May 9 as “Europe Day”. It symbolizes unity among different countries, including countries that have once been at war with each other. Since 2004, May 9 is also celebrated as Europe Day in Latvia.