Thirty-six years ago, Latvia awoke with a sense of anxiety and anticipation. Members of the Supreme Council had to make the most important decision of their lives. They were being watched not only by the whole of Latvia, but also by neighbouring countries, Latvians abroad, and friends across the globe. Events were also being closely followed by our adversaries, who continued to hope that we would falter and freeze in fear rather than step onto an uncertain path of the unknown. The success of…
Thirty-six years ago, Latvia awoke with a sense of anxiety and anticipation. Members of the Supreme Council had to make the most important decision of their lives. They were being watched not only by the whole of Latvia, but also by neighbouring countries, Latvians abroad, and friends across the globe. Events were also being closely followed by our adversaries, who continued to hope that we would falter and freeze in fear rather than step onto an uncertain path of the unknown. The success of the vote on 4 May 1990 was not a foregone conclusion. Yet the goal was of such importance that it was worth taking the risk and making the attempt. And it succeeded. What the people so deeply desired was achieved – to decide and act for themselves once…
