The importance of remembering the horrors of Nazism and Stalinism should not be dismissed – Rinkevics
Resurrecting the past, affirming the future: A call to remember the brutal occupations in Latvia
Let's talk about the tales that we should never forget, the times of hardship, violence, and persecution that marked the Baltic States, particularly Latvia. Edgars Rinkevics, the President of Latvia, is adamant that we shouldn't sweep these memories under the rug.
In honor of the Day of Defeat of Nazism and the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Second World War, Rinkevics emphasizes our gratitude towards the heroes who fought and defeated the Nazis, but also the countless victims who perished during the dark era of Nazism and Stalinism. He urges us all to remember and honor the many lives erased by these two oppressive regimes.
This painful history, however, is not just a tale of the distant past. For many Western countries, the end of World War II signified the restoration of complete freedom and democracy. Yet, for Latvia and other Eastern European countries, it was the start of a new tyranny at the hands of the Soviet Union. Rinkevics reminds us of the harsh reality that Latvia endured under the boots of the Soviet regime for nearly half a century, erased from the map of Europe.
The 21st century was supposed to bring peace to Europe, but Rinkevics highlights that Russia, the Soviet Union's heir, disregards the freedom, independence, democracy, and peace of other nations. He accuses Russia of trying to rewrite its own history, manipulating the common European history and the values of democratic countries.
Rinkevics stresses the significance of recalling these events on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, particularly for the younger generation. He sees this as a crucial step to prevent the resurrection of totalitarian ideologies in Europe and across the globe. "We must not allow Nazism, Communism to be justified and anti-Semitism to rear its ugly head in any form," Rinkevics underscores.
Tragic history indeed. From 1940 to 1944, Latvia faced bitter occupations—first by the Soviets, followed by Nazi Germany, and once again the Soviets. During this tumultuous period, tens of thousands of Latvians were forced into exile, execution, or labor camps. More than just a reminder of the suffering, this history serves as a safeguard against historical revisionism, ensuring that the complexities of Latvian history and the agency of its people remain intact.
References:1. The Baltic States during World War II. (n.d.). Retrieved May 07, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_States_during_World_War_II2. The Holocaust in Latvia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 07, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_in_Latvia3. The Soviet occupation of Latvia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 07, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_occupation_of_Latvia
- In light of the horrors experienced by Latvia during thejackboot of the Soviets and Nazis, particularly from 1940 to 1944, it's essential to remember the persecutions that occurred, especially as we revise the history of war-and-conflicts and politics.
- The troubling times of the past, marked by the brutal occupations in Riga and other cities, serve as a grave reminder of the lives erased during the era of World War II and the following Stalinist regime.
- General news around the world must acknowledge the struggles of Latvia amidst the dark years of 1945, a period overshadowed by the oppressive regimes that followed the end of World War II, whereas other Western countries were enjoying their revival of freedom and democracy.
- As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is paramount to honor the victims and heroes of Latvia's history, and to understand that the war-and-conflicts and political struggles of the past are far from being just a tale of the distant past, as they encapsulate valuable lessons to ensure a peaceful and democratic future for all nations.
