Kemeri 2013 summer

In the depths of North-Eastern Europe, on the sandy shores where Viking ships lay with Byzantium loads, where wolves still hunt deer in the wilderness, exists a piece of Neverland. Once upon a time Ķemeri was a famous medical and SPA resort. One of the most popular resorts of the Russian Empire. Created in 1836 and surviving two world wars it became lost in history after the USSR fell apart. Now only mighty ruins of the former sanatoriums in the depths of Ķemeri National park, and some local villager's houses, remain of the former glory.

In spite of this, it is still a popular tourist target, and the abandoned park – is one of the most beautiful spring meeting places in Latvia.

Ķemeri was not only destroyed in a moment, it also rose in a moment, or that is what it seemed like.

Until the end of the 18th century there were deep borderland forests what divided the Russian Empire from Kingdom of Poland. Here was the famous Dutchy of Courland. Somewhere in those forests hid two households – Kemmer and Liepmeži. The original of name “Kemmer” is from the German name “Kemmerer”, which meant – “Chamberlain”. The origin of “Liepmezi” is Latvian and means  “lime tree forest”. The only traces we really found were archive documents that show that in the last years of the 18th century, the foresters' households Liepmeži and Kemeri existed in the neighbourhood. Kemeri now lays somewhere under town of Ķemeri, but we still can see Liepmeži. Approximately 2 miles away in the forest is placed a small lawn with some ruins and huge old lime trees. It is all that remains of the former 90 acre foresters' farm.

Nearby dense bush hides the oldest cemetery of both households. Even many locals don't know this place and its name: Liepmeži cemetery and Liepmeži forestry.

There is great reason to think that this place is the oldest in the pair. In long forgotten times only small and bad roads would carry you through the forests of Latvia. People were poor and Christianity existed only for Western European colonists. So the churches were few and almost every large household had their own cemetery. In Liepmeži cemetery not only the foresters of Liepmeži rest in peace, but family members of Kemmerer/Kemmer/Ķemers too. It means that this cemetery existed before the Kemmer household was built.

The last 2 centuries has been full of trouble for this place. Legions of the Great Army, regiments of the Russian Imperial Army, the German Imperial Army, the Soviet Army and the Nazi army marched through the yard. Front line trenches in 1WW and 2WW were dug through the fields. We can read in documents who burned down the house in 1WW. We even found the name of the forester before 1WW. But question: how old is this place, still remains. We found this place enigmatic enough for a real expedition.

We know some facts:

We know that soil covers a great amount of puzzling remains from previous times in every yard.

We desperately need additional information about Kemeri, Liepmezs and their history.

We know that we are able not only able to find answers, not only dig up artefacts, but even more so, we could show everybody that there is real history under their own lawn, and great stories of glory could be made from this. Stories really show our strength, pride, glory and uniqueness.

So, with the help of Grundtvig Lifelong Education Program and support of Kemeri National Park we launch an expedition at the former Liepmezi manor.

Forget past = reject future

There is no future for nation who rejects or forgets their past.

Latvian national units of Russian Imperial army were first regular force for newborn Soviet power of Russia at 1917. They did incredible thing – conquer whole Russia in Civil War, rule almost all forces of Soviets until 1930-ies, until Stalin’s repressions fought them. They were the Magic Wand of Soviet rulers to made and hold their power.

Now Latvian officials successfully try to forget it. They even try to forget those thousands of Latvians who with Soviets and Allies fought Nazis in 2 WW.

Politics reach their target at last 23. February – former Soviet Army Day.

By the legend at this day 1918 newborn Soviet units had their first battle and fought German forces near Pskov. In later years background of this date was forget and day become Man’s Day for Soviet people – one of less political celebrations along with 8 of March. Officials in this day celebrated Day of Soviet Army and Navy - day of Soldiers, day of every young man in Soviet Army and Navy forces. I. E. This day belongs to every Latvian man who had obligatory service in Soviet Armed Forces. They were almost 99% of male parents for now living Latvian generation.

At 23 February, behind scandal with recalling of State Representative in Air Baltic Corp. for their last discount action, in mass media born new “bright” slogan – 23 February is “Day of Rapists and Bandits”.

Behind real things I know about actions of different soldiers in different times and situations, I didn’t know could I said that words about all Army, and every soldier, especially about my family men for last 2 generations.

This means that bright idea inspired by some youngsters is politically inspired. Sick minds can be found everywhere but high positive response of this idea is exciting. This means that we Latvians not only forget our history, but can not more make rational decisions and analyze aggressive and harmful for nation ideas.

This is the result of ancient Maxim: There is no future for nation who rejects or forgets their past.