Songs that have bolstered Latvians in the diaspora could now play a part in supporting their countrymen in the homeland, according to organizers of a project to record a compact disc of patriotic music. They are asking Latvians abroad to submit suggestions for songs to be included in the collection.

The “Ceļamaize” project is being organized by the Rīga-based Koknese Fund (Kokneses Fonds), the same group behind the Likteņdārzs memorial to the thousands of Latvians who became victims of totalitarian regimes during the 20th century.

The impetus for the recording came from the youth choir Balsis, according to a press release from the fund. The idea is to the strengthen the spirit of Latvians in the homeland, who are enduring one of the worst economies in Europe and political uncertainty. As a result, thousands of Latvians have emigrated from country in recent years.

“Traditions and Latvian identity among Latvians abroad are most encountered in Latvian poetry and music,” the Koknese Fund organizers said in a press release.

Latvians abroad are asked to complete a one-page survey listing the songs they believe should be included on the CD. The most popular songs will be recorded in a live concert scheduled May 4 in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s restoration of independence. The songs will be compiled on a CD that will be presented to Latvian schools, libraries and centers around the world.

For each CD sold, one lat will be donated to the construction of an amphitheater at the Likteņdārzs memorial near the community of Koknese.

Completed surveys should be mailed to Projekts “Ceļamaize,” Kokneses fonds, Lāčplēša iela 75-III, Rīga, LV – 1011, Latvia. The surveys may also be e-mailed to info@koknesesfonds.lv.

The Latvian-language survey, in Microsoft Word document format, is available for download.

Further information about the Likteņdārzs memorial project is available by visiting koknesesfonds.lv.