On 14 March, the President of Latvia visited the Headquarters Battalion of the National Armed Forces. E. Rinkēvičs thanked the unit commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Antoņina Bļodone, and the soldiers for their service and support during state protocol ceremonies, recognizing the unit's contribution to the guard of honour at the Riga Castle.
The President of Latvia also met with the soldiers of the State Defence Service who had volunteered to serve in the Headquarters Battalion. E. Rinkēvičs got acquainted with their living conditions and listened to feedback regarding their service experience thus far. These soldiers took the oath at the swearing-in ceremony at the Freedom Monument on 29 February in the presence of the President of Latvia.
The Headquarters Battalion facilitates the National Armed Forces' command and control capability, enabling the Joint Headquarters to effectively command the National Armed Forces.
The Headquarters Battalion is a unit of the Latvian National Armed Forces, with its origins dating back to the period of the Latvian War of Independence. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Commandant's Company, which would later become the Headquarters Battalion. During peacetime, the primary task of the Headquarters Battalion is to provide a guard of honour at the Freedom Monument and the Riga Castle. It is worth noting that soldiers have discharged this duty ever since the opening of the Freedom Monument on November 18, 1935.
