Mr Commander of the National Armed Forces!
Mr Commander of the National Guard!
Members of the National Guard!
Ladies and gentlemen!
I congratulate you all on the 35th anniversary of the founding of our National Guard!
The word “national guard” says it all – it is a person who protects the land. But not just the land. A member of the National Guard is also a guardian of the family. A guardian of peace of mind. A guardian of the state. A member of the National Guard takes responsibility for what matters. “My Latvia, my responsibility” is not merely a slogan. We ourselves shape Latvia, we ourselves give it value, and we ourselves – no one else – protect it. Because no one else will hold our Latvia as dear and precious as we do.
Members of the National Guard! Thank you all for making our Latvia safer! Thank you for doing so voluntarily. Thank you for dedicating your personal time and investing your knowledge and talents! Thank you for inspiring others – your friends, loved ones and colleagues!
We know very well that the National Guard is not just a duty. The National Guard also brings a host of benefits. It is an opportunity to give back to your country, to your homeland. It brings a sense of fulfilment. It fosters mutual trust. And the National Guard means new friends and new friendships. Sometimes it takes years to realise that you can go on reconnaissance together, but in the National Guard you learn this very quickly.
Today we see many proud faces. Today we see many new members joining the National Guard. And the National Guard would hardly number in the thousands if we did not share a common responsibility for our country. And today too, while we are gathered here at the Freedom Monument to mark the 35th anniversary of the National Guard, many members of the National Guard are carrying out their duties, helping to deal with the aftermath of the devastating storm, because your service never ends.
People from all walks of life are welcome in the National Guard. People of all ages. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, engineers, cooks, doctors, builders – people from every profession, occupation and social group. Because we love and want to protect the whole of Latvia. And it is an opportunity, in every municipality and every city, to do something good for our country. Whether it is the 1st Riga Brigade of the National Guard, the 2nd Vidzeme Brigade of the National Guard, the 3rd Latgale Brigade of the National Guard or the 4th Kurzeme Brigade of the National Guard, or one of the National Guard’s independent units.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our international partners, because together we are developing and refining our skills and tactics. Learning is a continuous process. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who built our National Guard 35 years ago – its first commanders, officers and members. You were not afraid back then. You laid the foundations of our armed forces.
Members of the National Guard!
Pride is not a vice. I say this here because today I, and our entire nation, are proud. We are proud of you! And I urge you to take proud, to rejoice, and simply to celebrate this wonderful, momentous anniversary!
So let “My Latvia, my responsibility” ring out today and every day, throughout Latvia and in every heart!
God bless Latvia!
