links: http://bit.ly/15jr92H
IN OTHER WORDS:
How well do you know Latvia’s history? Why is the date March 16, 1944 important? You might know the significance of November 18 or June 14, but what happened on March 16, 1944? The writer G. Kalme reminds us that this date has to be remembered as the other more well-known dates. March 16 is the symbol of Latvia’s resistance to the Russian occupation; Latvians chose to fight with Germany because to them this was the only way to fight against one of its occupiers, the Russian forces. After Germany’s capitulated to the Allies, 4,000 Latvian legionnaires continued to fight within Latvia. Estimates are that 40,000 continued to battle to the bitter end. Since present-day Russia still refuses to recognizes this resistance and the following occupation, all Latvians need to press for historical accuracy.
Kalvis Cers speaks on Jan 27, 2013, School Remembrance Day. Kalvis’ theme was intriguing; seeing the stars through Latvian eyes. He admitted that astronomy has become his passion but that it could be combined with Latvian folk songs and tales surprised us in the audience. He has studied Latvian folk myths and songs to come to some startling conclusions; many of the thousand Latvian folk songs contain references to stars which are scientifically accurate. Thus our ancestors were followers of the stars throughout the seasons. An additional welcoming fact was that Kalvis is a graduate of our local school.
Dr. Inese Vaidere, Latvian politician, member of European Union Parliament, spoke in Cleveland. Professor Vaidere is a co-author of an important book: "Losses sustained by the Baltics under Soviet rule" that details the losses, not only the demographic but in all other fields. Please search for her website under her name.
Maija Grendze remembers her recent trip to Riga. Although the weather was inhospitable, Maija’s overall impression of Riga during Christmas was positive. There was much to see, taste, observe. The streets were full of impressive cars, the restaurants, although expensive, were full of customers. What interested her most were small shops as Pienenite that offered lovely things produced in Latvia. As always Riga offers a rich cultural life; Maija visited concerts, theaters and saw the “Nutcracker” ballet at the Opera. She also met former Clevelanders now living in Riga. She agrees that Latvia is one of the nations of the EU that is definitely moving forward.
Janis Opincans, medical student who wants to be a doctor, writes a heartwarming letter of thanks. He is a recipient of our scholarship.
Cleveland Latvian Association receives recognition for its financial support of the Occupation Museum.
Anita Zvirgzde, our blogmaster in Riga, describes our first year of having a blog. She reminds everyone that their duty is to advertise our blog to friends everywhere.
Attention! Starting with March 2013 tickets go on sale for Latvian Song Festival in Riga from June 30th to July 7, 2013. See the following websites:
Info in English about program: www.Inkc.gov.lv/images/doc/Dzs2013/Songanddancefestival2013events.pdf
Tickets will be available through ALA and Anita Zvirgzde also promises to help.
Latvians in Siberia, books and films by Dzintra Geke. Write or call to order from Olga Baltmanis (76050 Evergreen Drive West, Waupacco, WI 54981. Call: 715-256-1783).
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Don’t miss upcoming events by
the Cleveland Latvian Association!
March 3 - Annual meeting of Cleveland Latvian Association – after church, social hall.
March 23 – come & learn to color eggs the Latvian way & how to make other goodies.
April 7 – concert, Miami University choir sings Latvian songs – Latvian social hall, after church.
Translated/summarized Baiba Caunite
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