To The People of Latvia From the People of America

Gesture of Goodwill from an American citizen to the Latvian people

An average American citizen laid a symbolic basket of rose flowers at the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia, Tuesday 30, September 2008, at 10:10 AM, in a gesture of friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Latvia.

Mr. John R. Balch, Jr. states in his printed statement that will accompany the basket of roses: “I am here today to pay tribute and homage to the people of Latvia and their long struggle for Freedom. I am laying these flowers and prayers at the base of this most sacred Monument of the People of Latvia not only for Latvian Freedom, but also for all people around the World and their struggle for Freedom from tyranny and oppression.

No nation or its people should have to live under tyranny or live in poverty. No nations rulers should live like Kings or Queens while its people starve. Life is to precious for this to happen. Leaders of the world should work for world peace and a united world, not me Big Brother and you do as I say or suffer the consequence if you don’t.”

This is Mr. Balch’s seconded extend 21 day visit to Latvia to experience the culture and learn about the people. He continues in his written statement: “My first visit to Latvia was in December 2007. I have to admit, I was not sure just what I would find or even what to expect, but by the time I left in January 2008, I not only seen a country rich in history, but culture history, but I felt a country whose people are very proud of their history.

I have returned here today to the Latvian’s most sacred monument “The Monument to Freedom” to lay these flowers and prays in honor to those who have given their lives in the name of Freedom and Independence. “

There were 22 roses in the basket with colors symbolizing the various causes that Latvians have faced over the years:

+ Red (12) – The symbol of Love for the people of Latvia who struggled so long for their Freedom and Independence from “Tyranny and Oppression”.

+ Yellow (5) – In Honor to the five who lost their lives in the struggle for Independence on “20 January 1991”.

+ White (4) – In Honor to the Four Regions that now make up “The Republic of Latvia”.

+ Dark Red a single rose– dedicated to those people around the world who are still living under “Tyranny and Oppression”.

Mr. Balch has taken several thousand photographs of Latvia during his two visits and plans to catalog these photos and use them to promote knowledge of Latvia back in the United States.

Patricia Tourist Office headquartered in Riga, will have the rights to use these photos in their family of Internet sites (www.RigaPhotos.com & www.SeeLatvia.com & www.LatviaPhotos.com & www.WhyLatvia.com) to promote tourism to Riga and Latvia.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact: Mike Johnson 371 – 6-721-0180 Patricia Tourist Office Elizabetes Street 22-6 Riga LV1050 Latvia 30 September 2008

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