Poland and the Baltic States -Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

Got independence in 1919 after WWI for 1st time!

Lost it during/after WWII, Became part of the Soviet Bloc

LatviaCapital - Riga

Baltic trade center

Independence 1919-1940

Soviet Bloc 1945-1990

Independence

1991- Today

Why Latvia?

Sveiki, manas mātes ģimene, Latvija!

Hello, my mom’s family is from Latvia!

Latvia was invaded by Germany in 1942

My family’s story

My grandfather, Adolfs Avens was born in 1908 in the eastern European country of Latvia on a farm. He was married and was working in the capital of Riga when WWII started.

Adolfs Avens Aina Biernes Avens

• He was forced to flee with his family during the German invasion of Russia and eastern Europe. He lived with his family at “misplaced persons camp” or refugee camp in Germany until 1946. His only son Peter got sick and died in the camp. Everything that he owned fit into a wooden box…(about twice the size of the recycling bin)

With my Mom – Larisa (right)Aunt – Anita (Born in refugee camp)

Late in his life

• The Russians had taken over Latvia (which was basically just as bad as the Germans) and they had no where to go. His wife’s family own a bakery and were taken away by the Russians because they were “rich” and never seen again. Fortunately, his family was sponsored by a Church in Chico, California to immigrate to the U.S.

Latvia wiped off the map.

Life in Cincinnati“The American Dream”

They moved to Cincinnati in the early 1950s because of family in the area. He worked in a factory called Cincinnati Milling Machine Company and raised my mom (who was born in Cincinnati).

He retired in the early 1970s his wife died in 1974. With his retirement he traveled a lot, especially to Europe including Sweden (his sister immigrated there) and back to Latvia (some regulations had eased).

Man par lielu-tēvocis Harijs bija slavens aktieris Latvija!

My great-uncle Harry was a famous actor in Latvia!

My Brothers’ and I with my grandfather during his last

Thanksgiving (November 1999)

With my cousins, Anita’s kidsWith his “pipe” for his breathing

treatments.

With his 2nd wife Hermina in Hospice. She convinced him to stop smoking, but it was too late. His emphysema got so bad they could no longer up his oxygen level. He died in Hospice January 3rd 2000. He called me the Avens boy because I reminded him so much of himself and of his family back home. Without his courage to leave Latvia I would not be here today.

Latvia gained their independence in 1991. My grandfather was so happy/proud.

What Latvia is famous for…

Latvian Piragi (Bacon rolls) Amber

Petrified tree sap found on Baltic Sea

World’s Strongest Man (being big and strong!)