Soldiers,
Members of the National Guard,
Members of the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service,
Policemen and officers of the Border Force,
Excellences,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I
Tonight, on this historic day, we have gathered here, at this historic place, to honour all of our heroes and freedom fighters.
On 11 November, every year we, in Riga and elsewhere in Latvia, spend the Lāčplēsis Day remembering the victory won right here a hundred years ago. Victory that helped defend Riga, the state of Latvia and its future.
II
The core element of the state of Latvia is our unwavering national aspiration, our desire to create our own independent state and determine our own future.
If anyone asks us how does one feel or see the national aspiration, we can reply with confidence that is manifested in our soldiers’ and people’s victory over Bermontians near Riga.
III
This victory was decisive for Latvia’s nationhood. We could have lost a lot or even everything when we were suddenly attacked by the enemy and outnumbered.
Looking at this place a century later it is difficult to imagine that the battle that decided the fate of the state of Latvia was fought on these very grounds. Our enemies were positioned across Daugava, on the other side of the river, and this very riverfront became the front line with hastily dug trenches and makeshift reinforcement. At this difficult moment, our officers and troops stood their ground on this riverfront and defended the front line and our state. It served as an inspiration for the whole nation and gave everyone confidence in victory.
Attack of West Russia Volunteer Army became the turning point in our War of Independence after which the whole nation rose to fight for our state. Many Latvians joined the army as volunteers and took up arms to defend Latvia. People donated money and helped the military with maintenance and supplies, took care of the wounded. The whole nation was on the frontline defending Latvia against its enemies.
Rainis’ ‘Daugava’, which inspired soldiers before the decisive battle, became a prophecy. Victory over Bermontians gave Latvia the confidence and belief in own strength it needed to expel the enemy from its territory and emerge victorious from the War of Independence without the help of others and in our own independent state.
IV
11 November has become the symbol of our victory in the War of Independence. We celebrate it as the victory over not only our enemies, but also our lack of faith in our strength, disbelief in the independence and future of our state. We overcame our fear of facing the danger and indifference towards common good.
Tonight, we celebrate the centenary of our nation’s victory that confirmed our collective desire to be free and independent and ability to defend our state. Lāčplēsis Day is the day when we assert our national aspirations.
V
Not too far from here where people gather by the wall of the Riga Castle every year a sea of thousands of lit candles illuminates the dark November night. The light of the candles also warms the hearts of our fallen heroes who rest in the Brothers’ Cemetery and other burials. People across Latvian cities and regions remember and honour our freedom fighters and our victory.
Just like a hundred years ago, Latvia’s defenders will cross the Daugava River and symbolically march into Pārdaugava. Just like a hundred years ago, all of us will have the opportunity to join our army men and cross the Daugava River and thus show that both banks of Daugava belong to us and we will never surrender Riga or Latvia to anyone.
Let us all join in the people’s march across the Stone Bridge to Pārdaugava through the capital of our own free Latvia.
VI
These century-old events serve us as the reminder that soldiers alone cannot defend and gain victory in a battle over our country. We can win our state and defend it only if the whole nation is behind it.
Building on our past experience we are now building a comprehensive national defence system that will ensure our readiness to face all current challenges. We should draw inspiration from the faith and confidence in own strength that once led our men towards victory in the War of Independence.
We should never let doubts about the future and independence of our state take hold of our minds.
We should never be afraid to face the danger that looms over Latvia.
The power of the Lāčplēsis tribe inherent in our nation makes us invincible if all of us stand up for Latvia and our national aspirations are strong.
God bless Latvia!
