Good evening!
Greetings dear “Pride of Latvia” honourees!
Greetings to all present!
November holds a special place in the history of our country. In nature it is a somewhat chilly and dark time. Yet it is also the month in which we celebrate our national holidays, when we light candles on Lāčplēsis Day, commemorating those who fought for Latvia’s freedom, and when we honour the founders of our state. It is a time when we look back on all the good that has been accomplished over the past year and look forward with hope to the new year of Latvia’s statehood.
It is also a special moment for expressing our gratitude. When we present state awards, we thank people who have done much for their region, city, or country as a whole. Across our municipalities, we honour our people. But there is also this special celebration – Pride of Latvia – and these honourees are people who have inspired, helped, supported others, and who have never asked for special recognition. Yet your friends, and those to whom you have extended a helping hand, have brought you into the spotlight. Therefore, this is your day, when the whole of Latvia and I myself say a heartfelt thank you for all you have done, and for all that you will continue to do. I believe that this special day will also inspire you to do even more. And I very much hope that in these turbulent times, when we may all feel uncertain about our personal future or the future of our country, it is your example and inspiration that will help us make our country stronger, safer, better and help each of us become stronger, safer, better as well.
May this National holiday be filled with inspiration for all of us! Enjoy the kind words, do not be shy, tomorrow you will once again go out and do good.
Thank you, wishing a joyful national holiday to everyone and much happiness to our Latvia!
