Other events in Baltic States

Grimly motivated by those who died for Lithuania's freedom on January 13, 1991 outside the Vilnius TV tower and the Radio and Television Committee building, the Latvian people began erecting barricades at the parliament building, LTV headquarters at Zakusala, all bridges spanning the Daugava and other strategic sites, informs LETA.

Alas, the Latvian people were not spared bloodshed with one man shot and killed January 16, but five on January 20 (in downtown Riga).

The yearning and purposeful effort for a free and independent Latvian nation proved too tremendous for the crumbling Soviet Union and its last remnants.

This crucial page in Latvia's modern history – the Barricades, now respectfully written with a capital 'B', are officially remembered each January in Riga. This year will be no exception, as the events get under way at LTV on Zakusala at 3 p.m. today. School children will battle teams of cadets in a quiz show, followed by another game – "Reconstructing the Barricades".

At 6 p.m., a commemorative ceremony will take place at Zakusala with Defense Minister Raimonds Vejonis, Latvian NAF Commander Raimonds Graube and former Latvian Popular Front Chairman Romualds Razuks among the speakers. Live music will also be provided.