Latvia commemorates the Soviet occupation

Source: Bukvy

June 17 is the official day of remembrance in Latvia. On this day, the country commemorates the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940.

On June 17, 1940 the Soviet troops invaded Latvia and occupied bridges, post/telephone, telegraph, and broadcasting offices.

The Soviet Occupation Day became an official remembrance day on May 18, 2000. Latvia became the first country to commemorate its people and to speak about the crimes of the Soviet regime.

The occupation of Latvia lasted for 50 years. Tens of thousands people were killed or forcibly relocated by the Soviet authorities during this time.