Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Freedom Monument
News
28. Nov '25
Kurbads Inaugurates Car Carrier T126 in Honor of General Kārlis Goppers
On 25 November, Kurbads inaugurated car carrier T126, dedicated to General Kārlis Goppers - founder of Latvian Scouting, Latvian Army officer, and recipient of the Lāčplēsis War Order. This was a special week for Latvia, marking 35 years since the renewal of the Scouting and Guiding movement (LSGCO) in Latvia, continuing Goppers’ legacy of courage, duty, and faith in young people. Goppers devoted immense effort to building a strong Scouting tradition, becoming a guiding light through some of the 20th century’s darkest moments. His legendary words - “No sacrifice is too great when made for one’s homeland and for Latvia” - continue to inspire today.
“Vigilance for my honor. I promise to do my best, to be faithful to Latvia. To help others at all times, and to follow the Scout laws.”
“Vigilance for my honor. I promise to do my best, to be faithful to Latvia. To help others at all times, and to follow the Scout laws.” These words, written by LSGCO leader Jēkabs Vanags in a commemorative book dedicated to General Kārlis Goppers, were presented to the Kurbads team during the inauguration of the new car carrier T126.
In 1917, K. Goppers became the commander of the 1st Latvian Rifle Brigade, working closely with Frīdrihs Briedis and Oskars Kalpaks in the fight for Latvia’s freedom. The legacy of these officers is deeply woven into the identity of Kurbads — their names in our car carrier fleet serve as a reminder of Latvia’s struggle for independence and the heroes who shaped our nation.
The new carrier’s design by artist Alfreds Paulausks mirrors these ideals: service, honor, and national spirit. The blessing ritual, led by folklorist Inese Krūmiņa, created a deeply symbolic atmosphere. The ceremony brought together Kurbads employees and friends, the LSGCO delegation led by Jēkabs Vanags, General Goppers’ family, and our partners - Volvo Trucks Baltic and Inchcape Ford - in a tribute to history, continuity, and the enduring Latvian spirit.
The new carrier is entrusted to Jānis Siliņš, an experienced Kurbads driver from the Tukums district. Over more than 5 years with the company, he has completed over 700,000 km across Europe, demonstrating exceptional skill and reliability. Technically, carrier No. 126 is a modern Volvo FH 62T truck, equipped with Kässbohrer vehicle transport technology. Beneath the body is a 12.8-liter Turbo Compound diesel engine with 500 horsepower, delivering high efficiency, performance, and sustainability for long European routes.
We proudly continue honoring Latvia’s heroes on Europe’s roads.
