It would make a symbolic gift to the Latvian state on its 100th founding anniversary, said Apele.
"All of the land in Latvia is holy, but Gaiziņš is a sacred place for Latvians themselves, and giving back the folk its sacred place is the right thing to do," said Apele.
Despite having lived in the United States where Apele's family went as refugees, Gaiziņkalns had always occupied a particular place in her family history. It has always been honored.
She first visited Gaiziņš shortly after Latvia restored its independence. Upon climbing the hill, she asked her father where, exactly, was the hill she'd heard about.
"It was very emotional. Me and my father walked the paths where, he told me, his grandfather and my ancestors had walked. That feeling - I don't know if those who've spent their lives in Latvia can feel it," she said.
"I want to ensure that it would never be sold, put up as collateral, or rented. I want it to remain for the state, the country. And so that the hilltop is always accessible," said Apelee.
She thinks that the Latvian flag should always fly above the hill, and she hopes that the state or the municipality finds the funds required to set up a watchtower.
