Kārlis Goppers (1876–1941) is widely recognised both in military circles and for his contribution to patriotic youth education. He was a general of the Latvian Armed Forces, an officer of the Latvian Riflemen, a recipient of the Lāčplēsis Military Order, and the only President of the Latvian Scout Organisation. As an officer and experienced organiser, Kārlis Goppers actively contributed to the formation of the Latvian state and consistently advocated for responsible civic participation.

Kārlis Goppers was held in high esteem by his soldiers and comrades for his fairness, balanced judgement and courage. The general received numerous important awards, proved his heroism in the Christmas Battles and developed the scout movement in Latvia, which under his leadership became a strong foundation for promoting patriotism and responsibility among young people.

During the Soviet occupation, Kārlis Goppers was arrested in Riga on 30 September 1940 and, on 25 March 1941, was executed and buried in a mass grave in the Ulbroka Forest. In May 1944, the general was reburied at the Riga Brothers’ Cemetery, while his heart, placed in an urn in accordance with his wish, was laid to rest in the cemetery in his native Trikāta.

In 2026, the 150^th anniversary of Kārlis Goppers’ birth will be marked, and Latvijas Pasts commemorates the General of the Latvian Armed Forces by issuing a postage stamp, “Kārlis Goppers 150”, with a face value of €2.35. The stamp will be issued in a print run of 10,000 copies, while the specially designed envelope will be limited to 500 copies. The philatelic issues were designed by renowned artist Lilija Dinere.

The new stamp will be available through the Latvijas Pasts e-store (https://veikals.pasts.lv/) and at major customer centres and service points in cities across Latvia. The first-day cancellation is scheduled for 9 April 2026, from 10:00 to 15:00 at Brīvības Street 40, Riga, and the presentation is expected at 11:00.

In honour of the General of the Latvian Armed Forces, an exhibition titled “Goppers 150” has been opened at Brīvības Street 40, Riga. The exhibition combines archival materials, visual storytelling and spatial design in a conceptually structured narrative, offering insight into the pivotal moments that shaped Kārlis Goppers’ personality.

The exhibition, on display until 5 May, was created in close collaboration with the Goppers family, the Latvian Scout and Guide Central Organisation and the Latvian War Museum.

Philatelic issues from Latvijas Pasts are highly valued by customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations evaluate stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts against strict standards, considering them on par with those from the major countries. These stamps are regularly included in global philatelic catalogues and collections of renowned philatelists.