This weekend, Latvia celebrated the 33rd anniversary of regaining it’s independence from the Soviet Union. This event is celebrated on May 4th every year and I was fortunate in participating in this celebration in Los Angeles.
Latvia’s Independence Day, celebrated on November 18th, marks the country’s declaration of independence in 1918 – and is not to be confused with the celebration commemorating regaining of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. White Tablecloth Day, commemorated on May 4th, specifically honors this latter event.
The significance of Independence Day lies in Latvia’s enduring struggle for self-determination and freedom. It began with the collapse of the Russian Empire during World War I, allowing Latvia to proclaim itself an independent republic on November 18, 1918. However, this independence was short-lived as Latvia was invaded by and forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, invaded by the Nazis in 1941, and again by the Soviets in 1944 – this time the hated Soviets for half a century.
