Riga random.

Just a ramble through Riga, destination unknown, when I get there I will know. So just a few captures.

Freedom

Riga's Freedom Monument, unveiled in 1936, standing just under 140ft tall is a powerful symbol of Latvia's independence, which honours the soldiers from the War of Independence (1918-1920), at the top a figure of Liberty holding three stars.

Following the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940, the Freedom Monument was considered for demolition, and again in 1963, but no such move was carried out. During the Soviet era, it remained a symbol of national independence to the general public.

She is affectionately known as Milda.

The guards, who must be at least 6ft tall come from The Guard of Honour Company of the Staff Battalion of the National Armed Forces. There is a need for them to be physically fit as they must remain motionless for half an hour during their hour long watch at the monument.

The guard is not required to be on duty in bad weather conditions and if the temperatures are below 14 °F or above 77 °F

The guard of honour was present from 1936 until Soviet occupation in 1940. It recommenced after independence in 1992.

The guard changes every hour in a ceremony between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. After an hour on watch the guards have two hours free that they spend in their rooms at the barracks. There also are two watchmen in each shift, who look out for the safety of the guards

There are a number of sculptures around the base of the monument to depict Latvia's journey from struggle to independence, they symbolise nation's spiritual strength, cultural values, and above all the enduring fight for freedom.

FOR FATHERLAND AND FREEDOM

Domes and posters

Those movie posters are gorgeous pieces of art

Solidarity

This is the Russian Embassy to Latvia, guarded around the clock by the Latvian State Police.

The demographic of Latvia is interesting, 25% are ethnic Russian, of which a 3rd do not have Latvian citizenship. 34% of all Latvians speak Russian within the home. In Riga, Russians make up nearly 50% of the population.

Directly opposite the embassy is Pauls Stradinš Medical History Museum, the "deathshead"

"With the poster, we express our support for Ukraine and, using our location towards the Russian Embassy, express our clear position against Putin’s war in Ukraine!"

No doubt whilst the majority of Russian locals disapprove of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is said many still tune into Kremlin-run TV and radio stations, supporting Putin. Some have even been leaving flowers at a Soviet-era monument in the city's Victory Park in honour of the Russian dead.

Latvia has pledged 0.7% of its GDP, the 2nd highest in the world, to support Ukraine defend itself.

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