On March 16, 2023, hundreds of people gathered in Riga, Latvia, to honor Latvian soldiers who fought for Nazi Germany during World War II, specifically those who served in the Waffen SS. Although public displays of Nazi symbols are officially banned, the march was allowed to proceed as it was considered an exercise of free expression. This event, known as the unofficial Remembrance Day of the Latvian Legionnaires, has sparked controversy and debate about the glorification of controversial periods in history, particularly as celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazism have been repressed since 2022.

The gathering was attended by approximately 200 participants, amid a heavy police presence, and involved the carrying of national flags of Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine, showcasing a complex intersection of historical memory and modern political currents. The march is rooted in Latvia's history during World War II when two divisions were established by Adolf Hitler; however, it has faced condemnation both from Moscow and within broader European contexts, underscoring its contentious nature.

Brussels has largely ignored the event, raising questions about historical narratives and the limits of national commemorations within the European Union. As nationalist sentiments rise in various parts of Europe, events such as this march in Riga reflect ongoing struggles with identity, memory, and the implications of honoring past military collaborations with regimes that hold deeply problematic legacies in modern Europe.