The Freedom Monument in Riga is the symbol of the Latvian nation. It was built in 1935 with the help of citizen's donations. The author of the project was Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale. The image of Liberty holding three stars in stretched hands crowns the monument and symbolizes unity of the country. The monument has survived four decades of the Soviet rule. A popular local joke during the Communist era was that the monument was actually a travel agent, since laying flowers at it guaranteed a one-way ticket to Siberia. Today, the monument, the tallest of its kind in Europe, is back to its best after a major renovation, and still retains its meaning, as well as doubling up as a favorite meeting point for the city's youth. The photos were taken on June 30, 2009.