Dear people of Latvia,
I wish everyone strength to carry on, empathy and courage in this new year.
I
We will all need strength to carry on.
Healthcare workers who work every day, including tonight, to try to save people’s lives need strength to carry on. Patients and those who have lost their loved ones need strength to carry on and move forward. Those who have temporarily lost their jobs and income need strength to carry on. Those who have lost faith and are looking to get it back need strength to carry on. All of them need strength to carry on and, more importantly, our shoulder to lean on.
Everyday restrictions and inconveniences teach us patience. We need a lot of patience. That is the way of the world right now. But there is no doubt our life will gradually go back to normal next year.
Our today’s actions should make us proud in the future about what we did, proud about the way we handled this crisis.
II
We will all need empathy.
We all have our own truths. Diversity makes us stronger. We are often too harsh in the face of danger or when angry. I confess, I am guilty of that, too. We need to listen to those who disagree more. Even if we do not like what we hear. We all want to be heard and understood.
There is this ever-present dialogue that accompanies the nation throughout the time, and we all need to be a part of this dialogue based on dignity and common sense.
III
We will all need courage.
We are tough, stubborn, and brave nation. These are qualities we have acquired through history and our ancestors. Crisis has put many restraints on us and has also presented great opportunities. Our talent, hard work and advantages of our climate are our best assets.
I wish everyone courage to change because life after this crisis will not be the same. We will all need to be more ambitious. We will need courage to admit our mistakes and learn our lessons. We will need courage to keep going.
IV
Dear friends,
Thoughts have power. We are about to wish each other Happy New Year, and we really mean it. Let us send all our love and sympathy with these words. It is a great power. Power that makes us and Latvia stronger.
Happy New Year!