On 30 May, President of Latvia Egils Levits hosted a promotion ceremony at the Riga Castle for Brigadier General Imants Ziediņš, Commander of NAF Joint Headquarters, NAF Deputy Chief of Staff, who was promoted to Major General, and Colonel Kaspars Zdanovskis, Deputy Commander of NAF Joint Headquarters for Support, and Colonel Ervīns Kopeika, Head of National Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre, Ministry of Defence, who were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
President Levits’ message to promoted officers:
‘War started by Russia after it invaded Ukraine sends a clear signal: every democratic country, including us, needs its own armed forces. History also teaches us that sometimes we fail to fully appreciate such need. We have seen how desire to defend freedom and statehood against armed invasion sometimes wanes as a result of many years of benign policies. We can see this in some of the so-called old Western countries. However, international situation has changed completely, making all NATO member states realise this.
We here in the Baltics have never forgotten that we need to defend ourselves. That is why strengthening of national armed forces has always been a political priority for us since regaining of independence. It is as important as ever. Efficiency of national armed forces depends on men and women that serve there. Their professional skills and competencies. I am happy to award new ranks today to some of the officers who have made good progress in their professional growth. Each new rank is another step up in your professional career. It is also important to rotate the defence staff. It is vital for assuring professional standards among officers and troops.
Continuous professional growth is something that can be measured. Your patriotism, and numerous entries in your CV, are less visible and quantifiable. Soldiers need patriotism. Every soldier is a patriot. Combination of skills and patriotism gives our soldiers and armed forces efficiency, proficiency and integrity we can all rely on. Not only here in Latvia. Anywhere in the Alliance. Whenever I meet my NATO counterparts and other politicians, I always get the best feedback about our army and armed forces. I think you should know it.
Congratulations to promoted generals on the new rank, and, of course, congratulations to Mr Ziediņš who has been promoted yet again in scope of staff rotations and his professional growth plan. Becoming a general is like reaching the equator – once you make it, there is nothing stopping your further professional development. Officers turn into generals, and that is an achievement few can replicate, only the best can conquer it.
Congratulations to your families too. Military service, which involves odd hours and plenty of ‘occupational hazards’, must be emotionally taxing for your families. Your families are in a way also on the frontline of national defence as you – husbands and fathers – defend our state.
I wish you to pursue your future career with same drive for self-development, professional integrity and patriotism. The whole Latvia is proud of you!’
