Bring Nazi to school day? SS lesson at Latvian nursery sparks controversy (VIDEO)

Published time: May 11, 2012 14:25
Edited time: May 24, 2012 09:33
"Patriotic upbringing" lesson at Pucite kindergarten in Riga.
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Recently released video of two men in Waffen SS uniform conducting a lesson at a Latvian kindergarten has brought on a wave of anger and debate in Latvia and abroad.

­The two men from the Latvian Soldier group came to Riga’s Pucite [Owlet] kindergarten to give what they called a “patriotic upbringing” lesson.

The footage shows the men telling children about the heroic role of Waffen SS soldiers in the Second World War.

The two, however, did not limit themselves to stories only, but brought handouts for the little listeners.

The video shows the three- and four-year-olds playing with pistols, machine-guns and grenades from the WWII era.

Latvia`s Minister of Education Rober Kilis has condemned the incident, urging an investigation into the circumstances of the lesson, Latvian media report.

“Weapons, people in military uniform and such activity in a kindergarten are absolutely unacceptable – this is my personal point of view,” he was quoted by Delfi.lv website.

The lesson is believed to have happened on March 16 – a day of commemoration of Latvian troops that joined Waffen SS forces in the fight against the Soviet Union.

On that day, hundreds of Latvian Waffen SS veterans marched through the capital Riga. Moscow has repeatedly expressed outrage over such ceremonies celebrating the Nazi past. The EU has also expressed concern.

The Waffen SS was a multi-ethnic and multinational military force of the Third Reich.

Around 150,000 Latvians served in the Waffen SS, the Nazis' non-German regiments, during World War II.

Watch more in RT's Aleksey Yaroshevsky's report.


Comments (35)

MikeNZ (unregistered) 04.11.2012 08:05

recruiting the SS-Soldiers of the__ of the future and coming war against Russia (unregistered) wrote in #1
This is not just about the historical in nature; just like the Missile Shields the Baltic States will be used to create new anti-Russian front which can launched during the next Operation Barbarossa against Russia. What is clear is that Latvia is a member of NATO and Germany in particular has never openly objected to the rise to rise of the glorification of the SS in Baltic countries. You will see the aim of this project is to turn these little babies to anti-Russian SS soldiers 10-15 years from now. ******** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** *******************R ussia cannot come to terms with its past - particularly starting World War Two.When the CCCP invaded Poland - it started World War Two. Food for thought. Many countries should have declared war on the CCCP - as well as Germany.If Russia has Latvian Nazis - well - aren't they really lucky. Enjoy them!Look on the streets of Moscow tomorrow - and see Russia march!Or Golden Dawn in Athens.People are sick of dodgy politicians - and voting Nazi is a really good idea!

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Francois Johnson (unregistered) 24.07.2012 13:20

To all readers, please note that RT is influenced by the Russian government. 
Thi s article is very biassed. The accusations of Latvians being Nazis is Stalinist propaganda. They are trying to lessen the crimes of Communists.
Latvi a was occupied by Russia during WW2 and only gained independence in 1991 or so. Latvians were forced into both the Nazi and Soviet armies during the war. These are known facts. Take a look on Wikipedia.

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Aric Vahn (unregistered) 25.05.2012 00:33

@Joshua (unregistered) wrote in #17
"That museum in Riga is such a big lie.  40 years of Soviet occupation?  Give me a break.  Russian language not on any signs in Riga is ridiculous!"

Hey Dummy, the Russian language signs were removed after the Latvian emancipation from the Russian Communist Soviet Union. I have family that were shipped to Russian Siberian Slave Camps in the 1940's. The occupation was real bad. Your comments demonstrate you know NOTHING about this topic.

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