NATO soldiers express interest in Latvian history
- By defencematters
Several hundred NATO soldiers visited the Latvian War Museum and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Several hundred NATO soldiers visited the Latvian War Museum and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia yesterday, where they were acquainted with Latvian history. The soldiers expressed especial interest in the deportations of Latvian residents by the Soviet regime, as well as the country's non-resistance to the Soviet occupation.
Latvian War Museum spokesman Martins Mitenbergs told LETA that the soldiers were taken on a guided tour through the museum, where they were acquainted with Latvian history in the 20th century - from the battles for independence, to the establishment of the Republic of Latvia, through to the Second World War and the Soviet occupation period.
Many of the soldiers asked why Latvia did not resist to the Soviet occupation, as well as showed interest in the deportations of Latvian resident by the Soviet regime.
Mitenbergs also said that the soldiers were surprised at the number of Latvians who lost their lives in the battles for independence, and the ability for such a small national to win their country's freedom.
As reported, in order to learn about the foundations of Latvia and history of the Latvian army, several hundred foreign soldiers who participate in the U.S.-led international exercise "Operation Summer Shield" will visit the Latvian War Museum and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia yesterday.
U.S. soldiers from the Michigan National Guard, the United States Navy, and the Canadian, German, and Luxembourgish armed forces visited the museums.
Published: 26.03.2015 by Gatis Kristovskis, LETA
