Dear Latvians, citizens, and all people of Latvia!
I
I cordially welcome you to this wonderful concert at the Riga Castle Square tonight!
This Monday marks the centenary of the very first meeting of Saeima and the entry into force of the Constitution.
The day after tomorrow, the institution of the President of Latvia will also celebrate a 100-year anniversary, because exactly on this day one hundred years ago the Saeima elected our first President - Jānis Čakste.
II
Few countries in the world have been given this opportunity to celebrate the centenary of their Constitution.
Through the ages, the founders of our country talk to us in the words and ideas of the Constitution.
Those who fulfilled the dream of the Latvian nation to freely decide their own future and created an independent and democratic country of Latvia.
Jānis Čakste, Klāra Kalniņa, Skujenieks, Aspazija, Cielēns and Bergs, Rainis.
III
They laid down the Constitution as a foundation stone of the new state that would ensure freedom, security and prosperity for everyone.
As Rainis said, "Writing the Constitution was something like digging a new bed for the Daugava River." These founders of Latvia did just that.
One hundred years ago, right here, in Riga Castle, the work of the Constitutional Assembly was completed. The Constitution was adopted in its final reading in the White Hall of the Riga Castle. The Constitutional Assembly also held its general sessions there.
The final version and the official text of the new Constitution were published in the Riga Castle, because the Government Gazette (“Valdības Vēstnesis”) editorial office, which ensured the publication of the laws, worked in the Castle premises at that time.
IV
We celebrate the Constitution and at the same time we celebrate our own independent Latvian State.
The first words of the Constitution, "Latvia is", are the foundation of the life of our country.
Latvia is; and it will live on forever.
V
The existence of Latvia is the responsibility of each and every one of us - every citizen of Latvia - and we all need to pursue this goal together every day.
Latvia is a democratic republic, where every citizen has not only opportunities and rights, but also a duty to ensure the existence and growth of his country.
No one else will do it for us.
VI
Rainis again: 'Our Latvia grows and rises not from one, but from all of us together, from each and everyone of us. No single one has been the Master in our society".
Together we have made and implemented decisions, together we have won our country, together we have regained its independence and together we are building it. With unwavering national will and faith in Latvia and the Constitution.
VII
Let us draw inspiration today from the songs of strength of our nation!
With faith in Latvia, let us go strong and bold into the future - the second century of our country and the Constitution!
God bless Latvia!
