On June 12, 2008 Latvia's Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics placed a wreath at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, DC. The ceremony marked the first anniversary of the dedication of the memorial, which honors the victims of Communism worldwide. During the ceremony, the late California Congressman Tom Lantos was awarded the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom. Representatives of the Administration, Congress, diplomatic community, and ethnic organizations participated in the event. Following the ceremony, a preview of the upcoming online Global Museum on Communism was presented. The government of Latvia has also contributed financially to this endeavor.