Dear participants of the Song and Dance Festival!
Organizers and spectators!
I had the privilege of attending the XV Latvian Song and Dance Festival here in Toronto five years ago and addressing the participants and spectators. Five years later, it is my pleasure to welcome you all here today in such great numbers! I am delighted to see singers and dancers from Canada, Latvia, and all around the world. I'm deeply moved by seeing so many of you in attendance today.
If we look back at our nation’s history and at the tradition of singing, we know very well that singing has played a pivotal role in our struggle for independence. Singing has helped preserve and cultivate Latvian identity both within Latvia during the Soviet occupation and across Latvian communities living in exile all around the world. Today, our tradition of Song and Dance serves as a source of resilience and fortitude and gives us strength and energy.
It is a true pleasure for me to be here in Canada, a nation that once provided refuge to thousands of Latvians who were forced into exile. Canada is our closest and greatest ally. Its troops are currently deployed in Latvia to help protect the security and independence of Latvia, the Baltic states, and all of Europe. We extend our gratitude to our Canadian friends and allies for this contribution.
Very soon, next week, at the NATO Summit in Washington, we will once again discuss the most effective strategies for resisting and stopping Russian aggression in Ukraine so that Europe and Latvia never experience the dark times of more than 80 years ago.
However, today, just like tomorrow and as you have already done for several days, we must all come together and channel our positive thoughts and energy towards the prosperity of our people and our country!
Dear friends!
May today's concert and tomorrow's dance concert give us great strength and confidence in our future, in both deeds, large and small!
God, bless Latvia!
