Dear Madam Speaker of the Saeima!
Dear Madam Prime Minister!
Dear Mr Kaļķis!
Dear guests!
Friends!
75 years ago, on this very day in March, tens of thousands of Latvians – husbands, wives, and their children – were deported to Siberia. This event is now recognized as the Communist genocide against the Latvian people. This genocide terrorized many, leading the bravest ones to resist Stalin’s regime, the Soviet regime. They fought in the forests and in the towns but were defeated for a while.
Today, we honour those who never returned. We are grateful to those who endured political repression and are now sharing their experiences, shedding light on the darkest moments of our nation's history.
At this moment, we must unequivocally say to ourselves and to the world that evil cannot be reasoned with, negotiated with, or made peace with. Evil must be resisted; it must be defeated! That is why, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we consistently support the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russia's aggression. Against evil. Our support will continue until Ukraine achieves complete victory and freedom prevails over unfreedom. Whether it's strengthening our defence capabilities or stopping trade with the aggressor, we must remember the lesson from our own history.
Let us hold in our hearts and honour all those who perished in Stalin's gulags. Let us pay our respect to those who today continue to fight against evil. Together, we shall prevail!
God Bless Latvia!
