On 27 March, President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the memorial site of Kārlis Goppers at Trikāta Cemetery, where he met with scouts from the Valmiera 4th Scout Unit and representatives of General Goppers’ family. The President also laid flowers at the memorial stone dedicated to recipients of the Order of Lāčplēsis.
“In a few days, on 2 April, we will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of General Kārlis Goppers. This is an opportunity to highlight his historical role and significance in the Latvian Army, as well as his unique contribution to the development of the Latvian Scout movement. General Kārlis Goppers devoted his efforts not only to strengthening Latvia’s military capabilities, but also to fostering a patriotic younger generation. I am pleased and honoured that the Latvian Scout and Guide Central Organisation ensures the continuity of General Kārlis Goppers’ legacy today,” emphasised President E. Rinkēvičs.
As Honorary President of the Latvian Scout and Guide Central Organisation, E. Rinkēvičs also expressed his appreciation for the contribution of General Goppers’ family in preserving his historical legacy and promoting broader public understanding of Latvia’s military and social history, as well as the Scout movement.
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On 2 April 1876, in “Maskati”, Plāņi parish, one of the most distinguished Latvian soldiers of the 20th century, Kārlis Goppers, was born. He was a recipient of the Order of Lāčplēsis and the founder of the Scout movement in Latvia. In 1921, he was appointed head of the Latvian Scout Central Organisation, a position he held until his death on 25 March 1941. General Goppers was laid to rest at the Brothers’ Cemetery in Riga, while his heart, in accordance with his wishes, was buried at Trikāta Cemetery.
