Memorial plaque "The sail of hope"

Memorial plaque "The sail of hope" made by sculptor Ģirts Burvis marks place from which some of Latvian citizens tried to get to neutral Sweden using sea roots (as the only possible way) because they were frightened by the possibility of repetitive occupation by USSR, but they did not wish to evacuate to ruined and endangered by Soviet occupation Germany. Destination of fugitives’ boats was the closest to Latvia territory of Sweden – Gotland. Journeys often began from the Western coast of Kurzeme (distance between Kurzeme and Gotland is 90 nautical miles or 170 km).

Memorial plaque in honour of Latvian fugitives represents the sail of hope. The crack in it represents dramatic separation, difficulties and pain of our nationals abroad.
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