On 8 May, President of Latvia Egils Levits marked the victory over Nazi Germany and honoured the victims of World War II by laying a wreath at the Riga Brethren Cemetery.
Public comment of the President to media:
‘Today, on 8 May, we mark the end of the World War II in Europe. We celebrate this day together with our friends in Western Europe for whom it became the day of liberation. For us, there was no liberation, but we do extend our solidarity and share this glorious day with our friends in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and many other European nations who became free again on this day. Unfortunately, here in Latvia, as one occupation force left, the other one quickly took its place as the war ended.
We became free again only in 1990-1991 when we regained our independence. 45 years after the rest of the Western Europe. For us, the 8 May is the day when we pay tribute to victims of the World War II. Latvia did not take part in the World War II. It was not our war. Our boys were forcefully recruited by both opposing armies. They fought for other armies and other causes. And there were also many civilian casualties. I do believe that Latvia probably suffered the greatest losses among all countries that did not formally take part in this war.
Tomorrow, on 9 May, we will celebrate Europe Day. On this day in 1950 a declaration proposed by the then French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, laid the foundation of future Europe which later became the European Union that we are now a part of. That is how Europe Day came to be. 9 May unites all members of the European Union, including Latvia. And together we want to shape the future of Europe.
This year’s Europe Day is also the day when we inaugurate the Conference on the future of Europe open for all European citizens. I want to invite everyone living in Latvia to contribute to this discussion and do so in Latvian, as our language is also one of the official languages of the European Union. You can find all relevant information online. Do not miss out on this opportunity to take part in shaping future Europe and express your ideas.’