Most honourable Presidents of the Republics of Finland, Iceland and Estonia!
Honourable Speaker of the Saeima!
Honoured Prime Minister!
Excellencies! Chief of Defence!
Soldiers, National Guards and Young Guards! Rescuers and Policemen, Borderguards and Firefighters!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I salute you on Latvia’s hundredth birthday!
Today, in Rīga and throughout Latvia, our red-white-red flags fly especially proudly!
Latvia’s soldiers carried our flag through victories from Liepāja to Cēsis. Raised high above Rīga, our nation defended it on this very riverbank in the battles against Bermondt. At that time both big and small stood up for our country. Latvian students were among the first to volunteer to defend our country and formed the Independent Students’ Company. And next to them, forever in our memories – the Cēsu Regiment’s Schoolboy Company. Children who left their school desks to fight for Latvia. They sacrificed their hopes and lives so that Latvia would have a future and today we could live their dreams.
Today, on our Centenary, Latvia’s flag flies proudly from the Tower of the Holy Spirit, testifying to the whole world that Latvia is a free and independent state.
Our independent state was not created easily. We know how difficult it is to safeguard because we have seen how quickly we can lose it and know how hard it is to regain. History will always bear witness to the determination of Latvia’s patriots to defend our country.
Let us pay tribute today to all those who have given their lives for Latvia!
Honoured participants!
The officers and soldiers of Latvia’s army have always stood for our independence. They are all united in their readiness to defend our freedom and independence with their utmost strength and to serve our nation.
During these years we have improved our defence capabilities significantly. We have strengthened our armed forces, modernized our defence equipment and increased our military readiness. During these years, the National Defence Academy has trained a new generation of young officers for a free Latvia.
Ever more of Latvia’s citizens are choosing to join the National Guard to serve their country and to watch over its defence as volunteers. This is testimony to the high prestige of the National Guard as well as to the increasing desire of our population to become involved and to take responsibility for our own future and that of our dearest and of our fatherland.
As the numbers of Young Guards grows, Latvia is raising a new, patriotic generation with the knowledge and capability to defend our Latvia.
We will continue to invest in our security because we know that we are only as strong as our will to stand up for our country!
Defenders of Latvia!
To take up weapons to defend the land of one’s birth is the highest proof of patriotism.
I thank every soldier who daily stands guard over Latvia, proving their loyalty to their fatherland and freedom! Thank you, national guards and young guards!
My thanks to every fireman, rescuer, policeman and borderguard who faithfully fulfil their responsibilities and watch over the security of Latvia!
We reach Latvia’s Centenary with our own, highly professional, armed forces. Today not only do they serve their nation with courage but also help to strengthen security in other countries.
Together with us are Allies from the strongest military organization in the world – NATO. I thank every nation whose soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder with our sons and daughters for Latvia’s security.
I especially thank all the parents and grandparents who lit the flame of belief and love of our fatherland in our hearts, and the desire always to defend Latvia and our nation!
It is the duty of all of us to defend our freedom and our Latvia!
Let us fulfil this responsibility to the best of our ability! May Latvia always be safe and free!
God bless Latvia!
