Group honors Latvian independence

Although Nov. 18, 1918 signifies independence for the Baltic state of Latvia, the day is characterized by mixed emotions. A celebration held Friday at the Indiana Memorial Union's University Club by the Baltic and Finnish Studies Association honored the occasion as one of patriotism, joy and sadness.\nAfter Latvians declared their independence from the Russian empire at the end of World War I, they came under Soviet control again during World War II. And although the parliament of Latvia officially declared independence in August 1991, the celebration of the original independence day is tempered by an awareness of the trials that were to come.\n"It's a lot more serious than the 4th of July. It's mixed with sadness for a lot of people," said club president and graduate student Eve Nilenders. \nThe somber and reverent mood permeated Friday's celebration, as about 100 students and community members partook of Latvian food and culture. The evening began with graduate student Mara Lazda's speech "Latvian Independence and Life Stories." Drawing from her research and interviews in Latvia last year, Lazda shared the stories of various Latvian citizens.\n"The history is very alive there," Lazda said. "People think of it more on a daily basis than they do here."\nLazda's speech was followed by a sampling of Latvian music. A small choir of eight students, mostly BAFSA members, sang four traditional Latvian songs. The first selection they performed was the unofficial Latvian national anthem.\nGraduate student Ilze Akerbergs explained that the official national anthem was forbidden while the Soviets were in power after World War II. In its place, she said Latvians would sing this song, which expresses a longing to return to one's home. \nRoughly translated, a key line of the song says, "wind blow me back to Kurzeme (part of Latvia)." She said the song's theme of homecoming was particularly popular during the Soviet era because so many had fled Latvia after World War II.\n"We thought we had to sing it, because it has a very emotional meaning to people," Akerbergs said. "They would have expected it."\nFinally, the Indianapolis Baltic Folk Music Ensemble performed. Dressed in traditional Latvian and Estonian costumes, members of the ensemble played several instruments, most notably the kokle -- a Baltic string instrument. Director Ain Haas, an associate sociology professor at IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis, pointed out the kokle is not only a beautiful instrument but also the cultural unifier of all four Baltic states.\nAs the music played, people filled the room, eventually sitting on the floor or wherever they could find space.\nStudents and community members milled around after the performances, chatting and snacking on traditional Latvian food.\n"It's kind of like getting back to your roots," said senior Amanda Zuicens, whose father came to America from Latvia. Zuicens was born in America and is the first in her family not to speak fluent Latvian. Nonetheless, she said she feels at home during celebrations like these.\n"I love being here," Zuicens said. "And the food is fantastic."\nBy the end of the evening,not much food was left. As students grabbed their coats and hugged each other goodbye, club vice president and graduate student Janis Cakars said he was pleased by the turnout and the community's acknowledgement of the very important holiday.\n"When you have so many years without independence," Cakars said. "It really makes you appreciate it"