Saeima of the Republic of Latvia

On 21 August 1991 the transition period was concluded, and we started to manage our free and independent country. This was underlined by Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, when addressing the children and youth who participated in the logo contest for the 21 August celebrations.

 “People remember the singing and the happy faces of the members of the Supreme Council as they came out of the parliament building after having adopted the declaration of independence on 4 May. However, it was the law of 21 August 1991 that ensured international recognition of Latvia’s independence. The law was adopted at a time when Riga was overrun by Soviet tanks and when the television and radio buildings were captured,” said the Speaker.

“It was 93 years ago when our grandparents gave us the gift of an independent state, and 20 years ago our parents reclaimed the gift and passed it on to us,” said Solvita Āboltiņa. “The Baltic Way, with people of all generations standing hand in hand, showed that our movement towards reinstating our independence was irreversible.”

Most of the youth who participated in the logo contest for the 21 August celebrations have not experienced the Putsch of August 1991; however, they admitted that the contest has inspired them to learn more about these events from their family members.

Ninety logo designs were received for the contest, and a public vote determined that the winner of the logo contest is nine-year old Luīze Anna Pētersone from Riga, who designed a rooster proclaiming independence. The rooster’s colourful tail symbolises the four historic regions of Latvia.  The winner revealed that she spent three days designing the logo and that she greatly enjoys the submissions of other contestants as well. The designers of the second and third best logos – Renāte Robiņa, a student at the University of Latvia, whose logo is titled De facto independence 20, and Inga Reimane, a student at the School of Business Administration Turība, who designed a logo with the motto Let’s knit Latvia together - also received awards.

Many designs included the red-white-red flag motif and the contours of Latvia’s borders, thus emphasising the conviction that the Latvian state must belong to the Latvian people. Anda, a contest participant from Riga, wished Latvia a lot of success and happy people. 

During their visit to the Saeima, the children learned not only about the historic significance of 21 Augusta but also about the work of the parliament. The visitors were surprised to discover that the Plenary Chamber is actually much smaller than it seems on TV. Children were also surprised by the impressive historic interior of the Saeima building. Speaker of the Saeima confirmed that visitors from abroad who have seen many parliament buildings in different countries have also stated the Saeima building is among the most spectacular.

The children and youth had an opportunity to show their knowledge of 21 August and the Saeima in a thematic quiz. Three participants with the most correct answers will tour Latvian Television building, which played a major role in the awakening movement and was captured by the Soviet special operations troops during the Putsch of August 1991.

Furthermore, the guests had an opportunity to see several thematic exhibitions. Children were most interested in seeing their own logo designs on display in the Yellow Room of the Saeima building. The designs will also be displayed on 21 August, when the Saeima will be open to the public and will feature several exhibitions dedicated to the restoration of Latvia’s independence. 

On 21 August this year, Latvia will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of de facto restoration of its independence. 21 August 1991 was a crucial moment in the history of our country because on that day the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopted the Constitutional Law on the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia, thus restoring the de facto independence of Latvia

With the adoption of the Constitutional Law, the laws of the USSR became null and void in Latvia. On the basis of the law of 21 August, other countries recognised the restoration of Latvia’s independence.

Photos from the event are available at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/sets/72157627414657224/with/6034994864/

Video from the event is available at: http://www.youtube.com/saeimasab#p/u/0/bkyZBXwzmuI

When using the material, please give credit to the Saeima.

Saeima Press Service