Commemorative Medal for the 10th Anniversary of the Battles for the Liberation of Latvia (1918–1928) (Latvijas Republikas atbrīvošanas cīņu 10 gadu jubilejas piemiņas medaļa)
Institution Date: November 11, 1928
Issued on the 10th anniversary of Latvia's independence and the end of the Latvian War of Independence.
Historical Background:
Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920):
Fought between November 18, 1918, and August 11, 1920.
A complex conflict involving multiple foreign and domestic forces:
Latvian national forces, with support from the Allied Powers.
German Freikorps, Red Army (Bolsheviks), and later, Polish forces.
The war began after Latvia declared independence from the collapsing Russian Empire.
Battles were fought against both Bolshevik (Soviet) forces and German volunteer troops who had different agendas for Latvian territory.
Ended with the signing of the Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty on August 11, 1920.
Purpose of the Medal:
The medal was awarded to:
Latvian soldiers and officers who took part in the War of Independence.
Civilians and foreign volunteers who contributed to Latvia’s fight for independence.
Issued 10 years later in 1928 as a formal recognition of bravery, sacrifice, and service in founding the Latvian state.
Design Elements:
Obverse (Front):
A column of soldiers led by a front-line fighter, marching toward a rising sun.
Sun rays represent freedom, hope, and national awakening.
The skyline of Riga, with its iconic spires, symbolizes the liberated Latvian capital.
Reverse (Back):
The inscription: “PAR LATVIJU 1918 1928” meaning “FOR LATVIA 1918–1928”.
Surrounded by three stars, representing Latvia’s three main cultural regions:
Kurzeme (Courland)
Vidzeme
Latgale
Ribbon:
Red with blue and white stripes, representing the Latvian national colors and likely symbolizing sacrifice and peace is missing.
Additional Facts:
The medal was not awarded retroactively beyond the specified eligibility period.
It is one of the earliest commemorative military medals issued by the Republic of Latvia.
Today, it holds significant historical and collector's value, especially with original ribbon and swords.