‘Latvian presidents’ square’ was officially opened by the current President of Latvia, Egils Levits, former presidents and their family members on 14 September. Students of Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies (recipients of Kārlis Ulmanis scholarship), members of Jelgava school student councils and chairman of the Jelgava State City Council also joined the ceremony held at the Jānis Čakste monument in Jelgava.
10 oak trees will be planted on the square to honour each president of Latvia. According to Egils Levits, trees will contribute to a special ambience of the place, encouraging people to contemplate the centenary of Satversme and institution of presidency in Latvia. ‘Each of presidents of Latvia has worked for the greater good of all of us,’ President Levits stressed.
He also pointed out the symbolic nature of trees. ‘We, Latvians, like trees, have deep roots. Like tree branches reaching for the sky, our nation strives for a better future. Tree has always symbolised our nation’s deep roots, strength and future aspirations.’
