Dear Latvians,
Dear people of Latvia from Riga, Latgale, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Kurzeme and rest of the world,
I
Together with Latvia we have entered the second century of our state. Timeline of each family and past generations of our families is firmly set in the past century and will continue into the next.
State of Latvia is the thread that binds the Latvian nation together and makes our past, present and future meaningful.
As our state enters its second century, we will be living in the world that we are creating today. What will it look like?
That will depend on how bold our dreams and strong our commitment to fulfil them are. How well we spot future trends and avoid wasting our efforts on insignificant details.
How dedicated we are to ensuring the future continuity of our state and nation, common good for the whole society and, thus, decent life for every one of us.
II
My dear people of Latvia,
All citizens must collectively take care of their state. Democracy means that each of us has shared responsibility for the state of Latvia. Each of us can and is welcome to make Latvia better and more advanced.
If we all follow the core principles of common good, solidarity and fairness, we should quickly arrive at a shared vision of the future of Latvia.
We all agree that Latvia should become a prosperous and safe Nordic country. Solidarity is an intrinsic characteristic of Nordic countries.
Solidarity has enormous power. It creates a supportive environment where everyone can reach their life goals.
State, undoubtedly, must provide a social solidarity framework. However, Nordic countries succeeded not only because of common good but also strong moral compass of each member of society. Personal values like honesty, tolerance, mutual respect and working together.
Each of us can integrate those values in our environment and everyday life. Believe me, our common good will grow and our state will have stable future.
As Latvia enters its second century, we should become a society that reveres mutual respect and trust. Society where everyone treats each other as equal.
Friends,
Our journey into the second century for Latvia starts off on a solid footing. We won the right to live in a free, independent and democratic Latvia twice during the last century.
It was people’s heroism that helped proclaim and then restore the independent Latvia. Latvia is built on people’s dedication, conscientiousness and commitment.
III
Today we honour and will continue to draw our strength from those who won the War of Independence and defended the newly created Latvia of 18 November.
We honour heroes of the national resistance movement who were not afraid of the occupying forces of the Soviet totalitarian regime and Nazi-Germany and demanded to restore democratic and independent Latvia.
We honour people from all over Latvia who achieved the restoration of Independence and joined hands to form the Baltic Way thirty years ago.
Concept of the Latvian state and national aspirations of Latvians would not have survived without heroism. Neither in past, nor during the occupation or restoration of independence. There is no Latvia without heroism.
IV
Dear people of Latvia,
As we stand in the light of Freedom Monument, our symbol of essential values of Latvia – statehood, independence, democracy and freedom, we can confidently say that the path of the Latvian state will surely extend into many centuries ahead.
We are ready to make Latvia better, ready to take care of it. Ready to defend it. Ready to stand up for it. We feel we have common fate with Latvia whether we are here or connected by invisible ties from afar.
V
Fellow countrymen,
All people are equal. All places in Latvia are equal.
Let us enjoy togetherness. As individuals and nation as a whole.
Congratulations on the 101st Anniversary of the Republic of Latvia!
May Latvia live forever!
