Independence Day night at Freedom Monument in central Riga, Latvia. November 18, 2014
The Freedom Monument is a monument honouring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. The granite and copper monument in the city core of Riga symbolizes Latvian statehood, national unity, independence and freedom. The monument was funded entirely by donations from residents. It was unveiled on November 18, 1935 as part of sculptor Karlis Zale’s project Shine Like a Star.
The 42.7 meter high monument is made up of 56 sculptures, divided into 13 sculptural groups on four levels, which depict Latvian history and culture. At the base of the monument, the motto For Fatherland and Freedom is inscribed.
At the top of the monument’s obelisk is the nine-meter symbol of freedom – a young woman holding three stars above her head, which symbolize the three historic provinces of Latvia, and national unity.
During the Soviet occupation, no flowers were allowed at the monument and public transport lanes ran on both sides to prevent people from approaching it.
Independence Day night at Freedom Monument in central Riga, Latvia. November 18, 2014
The Freedom Monument is a monument honouring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence. The granite and copper monument in the city core of Riga symbolizes Latvian statehood, national unity, independence and freedom. The monument was funded entirely by donations from residents. It was unveiled on November 18, 1935 as part of sculptor Karlis Zale’s project Shine Like a Star.
The 42.7 meter high monument is made up of 56 sculptures, divided into 13 sculptural groups on four levels, which depict Latvian history and culture. At the base of the monument, the motto For Fatherland and Freedom is inscribed.
At the top of the monument’s obelisk is the nine-meter symbol of freedom – a young woman holding three stars above her head, which symbolize the three historic provinces of Latvia, and national unity.
During the Soviet occupation, no flowers were allowed at the monument and public transport lanes ran on both sides to prevent people from approaching it.