Description

NYET, NYET, SOVIET! – not only a slogan used in political demonstrations, shouted or written, but also the powerful idea and feeling maintained by the Latvian community in exile for forty-six years during the occupation of Latvia. The book Nyet, Nyet, Soviet! Is a compilation of memories by 58 people about political actions and demonstrations in the USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, and Sweden from 1944 to 1991.

An active, non-violent and selfless fight for the freedom of Latvia is one of the cornerstones of Latvian exile communities throughout the world. Ethnic cultural events and traditions were not the only means of preserving a sense of belonging to Latvia. Participation in political activities also provided a sense of identity. Demonstrations were only one visible part of the extensive Latvian political and lobbying work in the name of Latvia’s independence. The stories compiled in the book personify the demonstrations and mass events, the history of which is officially archived and examined in other publications. These memories illustrate the ability of exile Latvians to combine life in their country of residence with the fight for Latvian independence. The stories also reveal the varied motivation for participating in demonstrations. It was not always rooted in political awareness – often friendships, a sense of community, youthful excitement, and a search for a more interesting life also played a role.

The main aim of Nyet, Nyet, Soviet!  is to reveal the human and emotional aspect of political activities, and to urge readers to ponder their attitude and civil involvement today.

At the opening of the book on 17 May, 2018 in the Friends Room of the Latvian National Library, director Māra Pelēce’s and the Latvians Abroad Museum’s joint production of the short film Valiant! was shown. It was a preview of the upcoming full- length film Valiant! about American Latvian Juris Bļodniek’s “anti-Soviet” car. Pēteris Elferts, Latvia’s ambassador to Turkey, Iran and Iraq, formerly a member of the exile community in the US and active demonstrator, also participated in the opening, as well as many others whose memories are compiled in the book.

The publishing of the book Nyet, Nyet, Soviet! was supported by the Latvian Foundation Inc, Culture Fund of the World Federation of Free Latvians, State Culture Capital Foundation and the American Latvian Association. The making of the short film Valiant! was supported by the US Embassy in Latvia.