Riga 2016

May 9 is Victory Day over Fascism in World War II! I celebrated this Great holiday in Riga. Many participants of this brutal war came to Victory Square: with orders and medals, cheerful and sad! The whole square was filled with people, flowers and balloons! Despite the fact that May 9 is not officially a holiday in Latvia, residents of Riga congratulated veterans and home front workers from early morning until late evening, honored the memory of those who did not live to see this bright day! Many residents of Riga, including officials, in order not to skip the working day, have long planned a vacation for May 9 to be near their people, honor the memory of the fallen and congratulate veterans on the day of the Great Common Victory over the fascist occupiers! Alexander Vishnyakov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Latvia, came to congratulate everyone on the holiday and pay tribute to the memory of veterans and the dead, lay flowers at the monument to the "Liberators of Riga", The Ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Belarus, the Mayor of Riga, Nil Ushakov, city officials and members of the leading Parties of Latvia. Veterans were treated to soldier's porridge, congratulated and presented with flowers all day... Music of the past years sounded, local and invited dance ensembles performed, musical groups played. The "Immortal Regiment" marched through the streets of Riga. The end of the holiday was put by a 15-minute, incessant fireworks to the music of wartime songs!!! Thanks to all the organizers, sponsors, activists and volunteers for this wonderfully organized MEMORIAL DAY for residents and guests of the capital of Latvia! HAPPY VICTORY DAY, OUR DEAR WINNERS!!!