President of Latvia Egils Levits opened the meeting with the staff of the 1991 Barricades Museum and members of the 1991 Barricades Society by thanking them for defending Latvia’s independence and preserving the history. January 1991 Barricades and their defenders played a decisive role in defending the newly restored state of Latvia. It demonstrated our courage and desire to live in free and democratic country. Members of the 1991 Barricades Society and President Levits agreed that as a memory institution, the museum should evolve from private initiative to a state institution. ‘1991 Barricades Museum is important for preserving collective memory. Throughout history different generations have taken part or experienced events and gradually become holders of those memories. Thank you for your private efforts in collecting and exhibiting these historic objects and memories. However, to preserve them in the long run, the museum will need institutional support at the state level,’ said President Levits about the future perspectives of 1991 Barricades Museum.
President of Latvia emphasised that he will gladly take part in events organised by the 1991 Barricades Society to mark the 30th Anniversary of 1991 Barricades. President’s participation would underline the historic significance of these events for Latvia and would support further preservation of historic objects and memories.
In conclusion of his visit to the 1991 Barricades Museum, President of Latvia Egils Levits had a discussion on current barricade-related research themes with museum staff. He also invited museum staff and 1991 Barricades Society members to initiate a public discussion on new Barricades concept. This concept should precisely, concisely and directly reflect the essence of 1991 Barricades.
