First Sgt. Miguel Antia, senior enlisted member,

First Sgt. Miguel Antia, senior enlisted member, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, visited the Freedom Monument in Riga, Latvia March 25, 2015. Col. Martin Liberts, commander, Latvian National Armed Forces, invited Antia to attend a memorial ceremony honoring the thousands of people deported to Siberia by occupying Soviet forces in 1949. Approximately 42,000 Latvians were deported on March 25, 194,9 alone and the date is now designated as Communist Genocide Memorial Day, with flowers laid at the monument and many of the rail points used for the deportations. Flags are also flown at half-mast to honor the vicitms. Andris Berzins, president of Latvia, was in attendance to give a brief speech and lay flowers."Today, commemorating the victims and honoring those who survived, we must remember that the greatest crime is to deny a person humanity. May this day and commemoration be a clear warning to all those who are still trying to occupy free and independent states,” said Berzins.Antias’ and other U.S. service members’ presence at the event exemplifies the strong partnership between NATO nations and lasting commitment. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Aaron Ellerman 204th Public Affairs Detachment/Released)