Monument to Colonel Oskar Kalpak Memorial site

On September 27, 2002, the "Kalpak Monument Fund" was established, the founders of which were representatives of six student corporations and the Union of Artists, and 25 private individuals. Chairman of the Foundation - Įrts Valdis Kristovskis, board members - N.Romanovskis, M.Stirāns, J.Kukainis, E.Upmanis, R.Graube, A.Fleija, A.Muzikants, etc. The task of the Foundation is to invite the public to donate funds to the O.Kalpak monument. Both Latvians living in Latvia and abroad - in the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Sweden, Germany, Canada - donated. The winner of the competition was the project "Against the Stream" by sculptor Gleb Pantelejev and architect Andras Veidemanis - a modern, expressive work in which the authors tried to figuratively express the meaning of the short but symbolic life of Colonel Oskars Kalpak; the idea of the role of a historical personality in the struggle of opposing forces, opinions and eras. The monument consists of two components of different materials and shapes – like the tip of a sword, splitting a hostile stream – a horizontal pedestal of black polished granite (4.6x8.1m) and a stainless steel triangle with an engraved portrait of Oskar Kalpak (total height – 3.2m). A dedication inscription is engraved on the front plane of the black granite base:

"To the colonel
OSCAR KALPAKAM
to the first commander of the Latvian army"
"WHAT ELSE CAN I DO FOR YOU, FATHERLAND,
GIVE MORE THAN THE HEART..." A. Eglītis

The monument was created for three years, its progress was monitored by civil engineer Eriks Sieverts. On the edge of the esplanade at Elizabetes Street, a new square, walkways, and lighting were created. The monument was opened on June 22, 2006 - Heroes' Remembrance Day.