Unfortunately. remembrance o this day is not a celebration of freedom. but a painful reminder of the Soviet domination Latvians have been forced to endure. There are approximately 85.000 people of Latvian ethnic background in the United States today. Many emigrated to this country during World War I to escape the ravages of war that existed in their homeland during German occupation. When the Germans were defeated and a free nation was established. thousands returned to their native Latvia. Their period of selfgovernment was tragically shortlived. however. as the Soviet Union forcibly annexed Latvia as a Soviet territory in 1940. Gross deprivations and violations of fundamental human freedoms punctuated the Soviet invasion. Thousands of Latvians Judged to be politically "unreliable" were deported eastward to Siberia. Latvians are a very proud people. nationally loyal and possess a strong desire to preserve the Latvian culture. Their heritage is rich with poetic folk songs or dainas. art forms. and crafts. some over 3.000 years old.
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