Esteemed Ms Melbārde!
Honourable Mr Sprūds!
Honourable Mr Sinka!
Honourable Daugavas Vanagi and esteemed Daugavas Vanadzes!
Supporters and friends!
Ladies and gentlemen!
This is a truly special and moving moment, as the Daugavas Vanagi celebrate their 80th anniversary. Eighty years ago, on 28 December 1945, this organisation was founded in Zedelgem, Belgium. The war had just ended. Many Latvians were forced into exile. Many found themselves as refugees or prisoners of war, yet the Latvian spirit, the understanding that it was necessary to organise, unite, and stand up for themselves and their country, remained alive.
Both then and now, you have been guides to patriotism. You have stood for a free, safe, and independent Latvia. The Daugavas Vanagi have united and inspired Latvians across the world.
I would particularly like to commend your work and contribution to the education of our compatriots, to the patriotic upbringing of young people, and to supporting former political prisoners and their families. Your efforts in preserving Latvian culture during the long years of exile and today are invaluable. However, we also know that new tasks lie ahead. We cannot take our country’s independence and security for granted. We must all not only invest in national defence and strengthen our state’s security, but also do everything we can to ensure that the spirit of patriotism, and the love of homeland and freedom, remain strong and steadfast. I place great trust in your experience and knowledge.
Today, we honour both the first long-serving Chairman of the Daugavas Vanagi, Colonel Vilis Janums, who founded, shaped, and led the organisation for its first twenty-five years. We also remember all those who have contributed greatly to its work. But this is a particularly special day, as we highlight two members of the Daugavas Vanagi for their lifetime contributions.
Today, we pay tribute to the late Gunārs Spodris for his long-standing, diverse, and selfless service in various positions and his daily work. Sadly, Mr Spodris has passed away, and therefore this recognition will be conveyed to his family.
Mr Spodris once said, “Every task and every word matter for the future of our organisation, and often we can learn best from one another.” Let these words be the guiding motto for our shared work and life.
It is my personal honour today to present the Daugavas Vanagi lifetime achievement award to Klāra Mētra.
To the long-standing leader of the Daugavas Vanadzes, I wish to express my gratitude for your contribution to the organisation and for more than twenty years of dedicated leadership. This recognition is first and foremost the appreciation of your colleagues and companions for all you have achieved. As I often say when attending state award ceremonies, such an honour is not merely a thank-you for past work, it is also an invitation to continue with the same energy in the future. That is what I wish for you: to remain active in the work of the Daugavas Vanagi and in the life of our country for many years to come. And so today, as I congratulate you, I truly wish the organisation another 80 or even 100 years of creativity and purpose and that you continue to welcome new people into your ranks, both here in Latvia and across the world.
Long life to our Latvia!
