Tag #148719 - Interview #78264 (nina polubelova)

In 1940 Latvia became a part of the Soviet Union [see Annexation of Latvia to the USSR] [7]. I remember tanks moving in the downtown Riga. We went out to welcome the Soviet army [8]. I remember that everybody was with flowers. The faces of the people were blithe. Tank hatches were open and Soviet soldiers got out of them. People hugged them and gave them flowers. There was no shooting, no resistance. There was normal life. It seemed to me there were barely any changes for our family. Of course, the adults perceived it in a different way. From the scraps of conversation of my parents I remember that the newcomers' behaviors and manners surprised them. At that time that didn't affect me. Before 1940 Russian was spoken at home, so it was easier for us than for those who didn't know Russian.