The Freedom Monument, so-called because of its dedication to "Fatherland and Freedom" marked by the friezes around the base, signals the beginning of Brivibas street in the centre of Riga. The monument proves that size indeed does matter, as at 42 metres high the monument is visible from many angles in the Central District, guiding the lost tourist to Brivibas. The woman at the pinnacle, known simply as the 'Liberty Statue' or affectionately as 'Milda,' holds three stars symbolizing the three regional parts of Latvia: Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. In perhaps Latvia's prime example of tragic optimism, the statue was unveiled in 1935 during the very brief period of the nation's actual freedom. Luckily, even the Soviets didn't dare topple this symbol during their reign, and now it once again represents Latvia's independence, where locals place flowers at the base to remember.
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