Addressing the audience at the Memorial to the Soldiers of the Latvian Army at the Litene Cemetery, the President of Latvia stated that the strength of the Latvian Army had always been not only in the skills and in weapons of soldiers. Its strength has always been in the love of the soldiers for their homeland and in the willingness to sacrifice their lives by protecting their country and people. That is why the Soviet occupation regime in fear of resistance to its policies targeted its repression against the officers of the Latvian Army in 1941. It was the path of the officers, instructors, and soldiers of independent Latvia to death and suffering that had begun with the betrayal in Litene.
The President of Latvia has stressed that the tragedy of the Latvian Army was a cruel lesson learnt that shows that we must do everything to prevent such a history from happening again, and that, after the restoration of independence, contributed to our country’s quick decision on joining NATO. After the restoration of independence, we have done a lot to strengthen the defence of our country, including building defensibility.
“Today, the National Armed Forces of Latvia, equipped with modern equipment and up-to-date armaments, are on guard for our country and its population. Also, the professionalism of our officers and soldiers is recognised throughout the world. And most importantly, even today, like a hundred years ago, our soldiers share the spirit of heroism: readiness to sacrifice oneself and fearlessness before any superiority when defending their homeland and freedom,” stressed Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia expressed confidence that the Latvian officers, who had lost their lives from the repression of the occupation regime, would remain in our memory forever.
At the end of the day, the President of Latvia participated in the conclusion of the Litene Rural Camp “Campfire of Remembrance”, where he addressed the participants of the camp, that is, the Young Guards and the cadets of the National Defence Academy, as well as he greeted the best ones. In his turn, after visiting the camp, the President of Latvia met with the politically repressed people at the Campfire of Remembrance.
