Since 2009, Black Ribbon Day has been commemorated in Canada, Europe and elsewhere in the world as an International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism,specifically Nazi, Stalinist, fascist and communist regimes.
Black Ribbon Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in August 1939, in which they carved up central and eastern Europe between them. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were assigned to the Soviet sphere for annexation and colonization.
As Baltic Canadians, we have heard many personal stories from our parents, grandparents and friends about the violent terror and suffering launched on occupied Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by Stalin’s regime. We know about the June 1941 and March 1949 deportations. We know about the human rights abuses, imprisonments, murders, waves of repression and nearly 50 years of illegal occupation that destroyed lives and separated families.
The idea for commemorating August 23rd as Black Ribbon Day came from former Estonian Central Council president the late Markus Hess, who organized the International Black Ribbon Day Committee in the 1980’s. By 1991, it had become a world-wide movement with pro-freedom and democracy demonstrations held in 51 cities around the world.
On August 23, 1989, the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, over two million citizens in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined hands across the three countries to show their determination to restore independence after almost 50 years of Soviet occupation. This human chain garnered wide-spread international attention and became known as The Baltic Way.
The Baltic Way has continued to inspire freedom seeking people around the world. In January 1990, over one million Ukrainians joined hands across 700 kilometers, signaling their hope and determination for independence, which was finally achieved with the fall of the Soviet Union. This August 24th as Ukrainians mark the 35th anniversary of independence for Ukraine, thirteen years will have passed since the Russian occupation of Crimea and four and a half years since Putin’s brutal war of aggression.
As we reflect on our own history, let us continue to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people, as they continue their courageous fight for freedom and democracy. On Black Ribbon Day, let us remember all victims of totalitarianism, while promoting democratic values and principles, which remain our best defence against demagogues and dictators.
Estonian Central Council in Canada
Latvian National Federation in Canada
Lithuanian Canadian Community
