The Freedom Monument in Riga was erected in 1935 during the first period of Latvian independence between 1918 and 1940. Milda, as the figure atop the pediment is affectionately called, holds 3 stars, representing the regional districts of Latvia. During the Soviet years, Milda was said to be 'Mother Russia' upholding the 3 baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Today, flowers are placed at the base of the monument to celebrate the brief periods of freedom this very old country has experienced. Most of our stay in Riga was under overcast skys. We had a few brief moments of sunshine one morning as we toured the fantastic Art Nouveau architecture in the vacinity of Alberta Street.