Events are taking place across the Baltic states and beyond on August 23rd to commemorate a shining landmark of peaceful protest and human dignity.
Saturday marks exactly 36 years since one of the most inspiring episodes in the history of the Baltic states: the Baltic Way.
On August 23, 1989, Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians turned out in huge numbers to form a human chain weaving through all three Baltic States, making it clear to the world that opposition to Soviet occupation was stronger than ever.
Approximately two million people joined hands, forming a chain of over 600 kilometers through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, bravely defying the occupying forces.
One of the biggest achievements of the protest campaign was getting the USSR to admit to past crimes. The USSR acknowledged the existence of the 1939 Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and declared it invalid. It was one of the most important steps towards the restoration of independence in the Baltics, and a landmark in the history of peaceful protest worldwide.
Photo: Jānis Zeile/Latgales Kultūrvēstures muzeja krājums
The events marking the Baltic Way in 2025 include one in the United States’ capital, Washington, D.C. Representatives of the embassies and communities of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania gathered in McPherson Square in the heart of downtown Washington. Ukrainian flags were also represented alongside those of the three Baltic republics and the United States.
“The Baltic Way is a cornerstone of our restoration of freedom, a fundamental part of our country’s history, and it is our duty to build the future on these same principles, passing them on to younger generations,” said Sabine Janisela, Second Secretary of the Latvian Embassy in the United States.
Svetlana and Henriks Daukants came with their daughter Katrīna and said that it is very important to remind the younger generation of these moments.
“We feel it patriotically, how three nations joined hands and stood for their independence. Now we are free and with this we are sending a signal to Ukraine that we support them in their fight for independence,” said Svetlana.
Nadezhda Barinska, president of the Ukrainian Organization of America was also among the crowd and said:
“It’s important for us to be here because Ukraine was also under Soviet occupation and a totalitarian regime. And the Baltic states were also there and experienced all these horrors.”
“That’s why it’s important for us to support today’s event, and we are very grateful to our Baltic friends for their support for us – Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
Six years ago, when the Baltic Way celebrated its 30th anniversary, LSM published a comprehensive story about the historic day. You can read it here, to find out more about this monumental event impacting the lives of many.
We also offer this short documentary with English subtitles on the subject which provides an excellent account of those momentous times in just 15 minutes.
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