President of Latvia Egils Levits met with Detroit’s Latvian community on 23 September. He praised its members for long-term commitment to nurturing the spirit of Latvianness and many decades of supporting Latvia’s interests.
‘You and other Latvians maintained Latvia’s continuity throughout occupation and advocated for Latvia’s political interests, and thus reinforced the non-recognition policy of the US, brining Latvia closer to its regained freedom. You have always remained motivated and efficient. You did not hesitate to take action when a certain outcome was needed. Not only did you do your best to preserve your Latvianness, but you also spared to time or effort to help Latvia. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done,’ said President Levits.
Egils Levits also thanked Latvian schools for their relentless work, also during the pandemic and its restrictions: ‘As a country, Latvia has physical borders, whereas Latvianness is global and goes beyond them – parents and Latvian schools are vital for maintaining the Latvianness, our common identity, language and culture.’
