The State of Latvia begins in our conviction and courage, our knowledge, and our skills. We are creating Latvia ourselves when we set goals of our own life. We create it in every decision and action of ours, in our love and sincerity towards each other.
The State of Latvia begins with each of us.
November, the festive month in Latvia, is the time that reminds us of that very profoundly. It is important to remember it not only during festive moments. Finding that confidence, faith, and responsibility for the future of Latvia in everyday life is much more important.
Competition of creative works among students “My Speech as the President of Latvia on the Birthday of Latvia” has already become a tradition of the celebration on November 18. I am delighted that we will hear the thoughts of the authors of three best speeches here on the stage of the National Theatre this evening. Latvian youth is aware of their responsibility for the future of the country. They encourage each other to both dream big dreams and work in order to achieve their goals. They will be the ones who will create Latvia further on in the next centenary of our state.
Latvia is a safe and strong country. We gained confirmation thereof once again a week ago when commemorating the Latvian freedom fighters of all times and generations on the Lāčplēsis Day. Besides, we have also witnessed that at the parade of the Latvian Armed Forces on the Embankment of the November 11 today, where youth guards all across Latvia marched together with our soldiers. We all require a safe and strong state. Our children and we ourselves require that. We are rich. We have our own state.
I awarded the highest state awards of Latvia: the Order of the Three Stars, the Order of Viesturs, and the Cross of Recognition in the restored Riga Castle just a moment ago and thanked the persons on behalf of the state, who have made the folk life of Latvia nobler and brighter and who are united by the selfless work in favour of Latvia and outstanding patriotic love.
I would like to invite everybody to open our hearts to goodness and sincerity and to take pride in those, who serve their fatherland tirelessly.
There is a special festive atmosphere tonight when we feel patriotism even deeper, when we try to pass the emotional link with our native land from generation to generation, when we are genuinely proud of our country and its achievements in the big world.
May we feel it during the festive concerts on the birthday of the Republic of Latvia throughout Latvia tonight!
I would like to thank concert company “Latvijas Koncerti” and all the persons engaged in organizing the concerts!
They say that music is a particularly delicate energy. May music tonight inspire us and remind about the beauty of Latvia. May its power and the joy of today’s festive eve permeate us on a daily basis, because everybody of us has still much to achieve.
May November 18 unite the public of Latvia deep in their hearts, thoughts, words, and deeds in favour of Latvia!
God bless Latvia!