At six in the evening on 27 June 1919, Kārlis Ulmanis and Latvia’s Provisional Government stepped ashore from the steamship Saratov at Liepāja’s Old Quay. After the coup of 16 April, this damaged vessel, guarded by the British fleet, had served as the government’s refuge and workplace. Waiting on shore were Jānis Čakste, Allied mission representatives, and thousands of Liepāja residents; one remembered detail was the sight of girls in white dresses holding flowers.

The event followed the Battles of Cēsis, whose outcome broke the position of the pro-German government led by Andrievs Niedra. On 28 June, the Provisional Government was able to hold an official meeting after a break of more than two months.