The Day of Mourning in the Baltic Countries

On June 14th, the official Day of Mourning is observed in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. 

On June 14, 1941, 10,000 Estonians, 15,424 Latvians, and 17,600 Lithuanians were deported to various Gulags in the eastern-most territories of the Soviet Union.

Most of the 43,000 Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians that were deported either died from fatigue during the transfer period or were executed by Soviet authorities at Gulag labor camps.  The political and cultural spheres of all three states were left severely devastated, as the Soviets targeted those who were perceived to be enemies of the state.

Today, June 14th is commemorated with various ceremonies and exhibitions in honor of the victims.