June 17, 1940 – The beginning of the occupation of Latvia
On this day in 1940, the Soviet Red Army occupied Latvia, and the first visible result was hooligan rioting in central Riga.
June 17, 1940 is a historic day for Latvia. On that day, the Red Army carried out the occupation of Latvia. The first observable result of the occupation was hooligan rioting in the center of Riga. This date serves as a reminder of one of the most tragic events in Latvian history, when the country lost its independence. The occupation began with a military invasion and ended with civil unrest. Although information about this day is preserved in documents and testimonies, this event remains significant for Latvian society. June 17 is a date that recalls the beginning of the occupation and its consequences. The hooligan disturbance in central Riga was just one of the first steps that showed the nature of the new regime. This day is included in historical remembrance dates as a warning to future generations.
