At the moment being historic for the soldiers and the public of Latvia, the President of Latvia expressed gratitude to the former Commander of the National Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube for long-term and selfless commitment to strengthening the security of Latvia.
During the solemn ceremony, the President of Latvia presented the flag of the Latvian army received from the previous NAF Commander to the new Commander, Major-General Leonīds Kalniņš and said, “Entrust you to carry this flag for the glory of our army and Latvia!”
In his turn, while receiving the flag, the new NAF Commander replied, “When assuming the office of the Commander of the National Armed Forces, I declare that I am ready to stand and die for Latvia under this flag!”
In his speech, Raimonds Vējonis expressed his confidence that Major-General Leonīds Kalniņš would continue the initiated activities successfully by strengthening the already existing and developing new NAF capabilities.
“I wish the new NAF Commander and all the armed forces continue to hold the Latvian flag in dignity and be always ready to defend the Republic of Latvia,” stated the President of Latvia.