Latvian Riflemen Monument in Riga Memorial site

Located in the center of Riga, on Latvian Riflemen Square near the Latvian Occupation Museum.

The monument to the Latvian Riflemen was unveiled in 1971 in Latvian Riflemen Square next to the former Latvian Red Riflemen Museum (now the Museum of Occupation). During the Soviet era, the topic was viewed through the narrow ideological prism of the communist regime. The place served to represent Riga and create an idealized story, reinforcing the myth of Latvians as fighters for Soviet power.

Light infantry units in the Russian army were called riflemen. During World War I, Latvian rifle formations were created to fight against the German army in the homeland. They were motivated, dangerous and disciplined combat units. The high level of education and knowledge of the German language were useful for reconnaissance and conducting surprise attacks. With the collapse of the Russian Empire and the complete occupation of Latvian territory by Germany, a very large number of Latvian residents ended up in Russia, where they continued to face Bolshevik agitation. Initially, support for Lenin's ideas and participation in the Russian Civil War grew. Later, disillusionment followed, and most Latvian soldiers turned away from leftist ideas and returned to Latvia. Most of the soldiers who remained in Russia were killed during the "Stalin purges" (1936-1938). Latvian riflemen made great contributions to the creation of the Latvian state and its army.

Today, you can visit the monument and the adjacent Occupation Museum.