Other events in Baltic States

On May 4^th, Latvia marked the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Independence – a large number of events were taking place in Riga and in other cities and towns of Latvia, reports LETA.

The program of events in Riga opened with an ecumenical service in Riga Cathedral, and performances by Latvian schools' brass bands at the Freedom Monument began at 11 a.m. Traditionally, state officials will participate in a flower laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument, and a flower carpet will be created by residents at the monument.

The traditional Armed Forces' parade was taking place in Jelgava, featuring more than 60 military vehicles from the U.S. Army and Latvian Armed Forces, State Border Guard, State Police, and State Fire and Rescue Service, as well as demonstration flights by Italian Air Force fighter jets "Eurofighter Typhoon".

In Riga, a special stage has been set at the Dome Square for various performances, from symphony music to ethnorock, traditional dance performances, and much more.

Various events for families with children were organised in Vermanes Park, and there were commemorative events taking place in neighborhoods of Riga as well – at the culture centers "Ziemelblazma", "Imanta", "Ilguciems" and others.

25 years ago, on May 4, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Soviet Latvia passed the declaration "On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia", re-instituting the Constitution of Latvia of 1922. Latvia had been part of the Soviet Union for five decades.