Romualds Ražuks, chairman of the Latvian People’s Front from 1990 to 1992, Renārs Zaļais, president of the 1991 barricade participants’ association, and defense minister Andris Sprūds (P) will take part in the event to honor the participants of the 1991 barricades.
More than 100 young guardsmen from Jēkabpils and the Riga region will make a solemn promise and sing, the National Armed Forces (NBS) Headquarters Orchestra will play, conductor Captain Aleksandrs Kreišmanis, the singing will be led by the National Guard Choir “Stars”, artistic director Ārijs Škepasts.
The commemorative event in Zaķusala has a deeply symbolic meaning, considering that during the barricades, Latvian Television played an important role in providing true information to the public.
In January 1991, there was an attempt by the opponents of Latvian independence to stop the restoration of independence and to overthrow the legitimate authority of the Republic of Latvia.
In order to resist such action, on the evening of January 13, barricades began to be erected around many strategically important objects in Riga, including the Supreme Council building, Daugava bridges and the Latvian Television building in Zaķusala. The peaceful residents in the barricades showed the whole world their readiness to sacrifice their lives, defending the independence of the Latvian state.
A large number of residents joined the barricades on duty, becoming a vivid example of comprehensive national defense in the history of Latvia.
Zaļais, the president of the 1991 Barricades Association, emphasizes that the barricades of January 1991 are a vivid proof of the unity, courage and unbreakable will of the Latvian people to defend their country’s independence. “It was a moment when people not only talked about freedom, but actually acted – they left their homes, families and everyday worries to face the unknown and stand guard for Latvia,” recalls Zaļais.
He emphasizes that the spirit of the barricades is living proof that freedom requires active involvement and united commitment. This month, by commemorating this important event, people not only remember the past, but also strengthen their awareness of the importance of protecting and caring for Latvia. During the barricades, each individual became a part of a common force that brought the nation on the road to independence – and this unity is a value that should not be lost even today, emphasizes Zaļais.