Commemorative Events in Latvia for Victims of Communist Genocide
This year marks 85 years since the first mass deportation, which began on the night of June 13–14, 1941. Latvia annually remembers the victims of deportations and Soviet genocide on June 14.
June 14 is a significant and tragic date in Latvia, as it marks the beginning of the first mass deportation 85 years ago. On the night of June 13–14, 1941, a year after the Soviet occupation of Latvia, authorities started forced removals. Men, women, and children were awakened at night, given anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to pack, then taken to railway stations, loaded into freight cars, and transported away.
Within a single day, over 15,000 residents of Latvia were forcibly deported to Siberia, Kazakhstan, and other remote regions of the USSR. Many never returned. These events are considered part of the communist genocide.
Every year on June 14, Latvia holds remembrance events to honor those who suffered or died in the deportations. This year, nationwide commemorations, including memorial moments and other activities, will be organized to remind the public of this tragedy and its lasting impact on the Latvian people.
