Mr Prime Minister!
Madam President of the Constitutional Court!
Madam President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga!
Mr President Levits!
Distinguished members of the 4 May Declaration Club!
Viewers of Latvian Television!
Ladies and gentlemen!
It is 21 August once again – a day of great significance for Latvia’s independence. And today, as every year, the Statehood Award is presented to a person who is also of great importance to Latvia’s independence. And as every year, it is received by a figure who has not merely earned this honour, but has long since deserved it.
Literary works that were permitted and, initially, not permitted. Plays staged both in Latvia and around the world. The patriotic song ‘Tik un tā’, composed and performed by Uldis Stabulnieks – a song that became one of the symbols of the Singing Revolution. The right words at the right moments. A whole series of musical productions. The “Baltica 88” folklore festival. The magazine and later publishing house “Karogs”. The unforgettable Youth Song Festival of 1989. The Barricades. The work to preserve and develop the Latvian language through the State Language Commission. And the musical productions are worth mentioning once more, as it seems each of them has been staged time and again – Lāčplēsis, Kaupēns, Tobago, Meža gulbji have spoken to audiences not just once, but endlessly. Perhaps the youngest generation does not yet know who Māra Zālīte is, but many of them know “The Bird Opera” very well. In that case, everything is as it should be – in time, they will discover the author too.
Ladies and gentlemen!
If I had to describe this year’s laureate in a single sentence, I would say that Māra Zālīte is a person who can put into words what Latvia feels. Her works encourage us to see light rather than darkness in the future. She is one of the leaders of our Awakening – a leader of the Third Awakening. With words, she can turn darkness into light. With her inner strength, she is able to celebrate and inspire.
I think that telling the story of this year’s Statehood Award laureate is no easy task. To give even a moderately complete account of Māra Zālīte’s contribution, we would have to speak – and sing – for at least three days straight. And it seems that we already know a great deal about Ms Zālīte. But not everyone knows that Māra Zālīte was also a basketball coach. She coached a combined team representing the Writers’ Union. It made a brilliant start back in 1983 at the Arts Days basketball tournament. This might seem unusual. But in fact, it is perfectly logical. The ability to bring together a good team and strengthen it is important on any playing field.
Distinguished guests!
The poet, prose writer, playwright, linguist and philosopher Māra Zālīte has achieved an extraordinary amount. Yet the Statehood Award is never earned by one person alone. It is always the achievement of a group of people, large or small, united by a shared idea. And in this case, the author has been joined not only by composers and set designers, but also by performers and the audience. By those who cheered for our Latvian flags at the “Baltica 88” folklore festival. By the singers who performed “God, Bless Latvia” at the School Youth Song Festival whilst Latvia was still under occupation. By the people who listened to the poet’s words at mass gatherings in Mežaparks and on the banks of the Daugava, and by those who actually fought for a free Latvia. By the audiences and listeners who return time and again to Lāčplēsis, Kaupēns, Tobago, Sphinx and The Bird Opera. These are productions that live a life of their own. Just like a child who has been nurtured, raised and sent out into the world. But that child always remains in your heart.
Māra Zālīte herself has said that she only recognises laurel leaves in soup. And that’s just as well. She has received countless prestigious awards, but they have never been a reason to rest on her laurels. Rather, they have been encouragement, a spur to carry on and reach even greater heights. May that be the case this time too!
Ladies and gentlemen!
We meet on a day when, thirty-five years ago, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia restored de facto the independence of our country. It was a very courageous decision, taken under the shadow of mortal danger. This is once again a time to express our profound gratitude to our members of parliament, statesmen and stateswomen – for not being afraid and for casting their votes. It is a time to thank those who inspired and supported them. But the greatest thanks of all – for where we are today – belong to our resilient and wise People.
Back in 1988, at the premiere of the rock opera “Lāčplēsis”, all of Latvia sang the words:
“A little child at the crossroads,
Just as time slips through his fingers like sand,
So is our freedom, so is our life.”
Then, as now, we understand very well who that little child is. Our Latvia was, is and always will be at a crossroads. There will always be wheels, horseshoes and arms. We must always remain vigilant. Especially at this time, especially now, when there is once again so much uncertainty, danger and deception. Very soon, in October, we will face a choice – which path our Latvia will take and how we will weather the storms. Let us remain vigilant, keep a cool head and not succumb to the deceptions of the moment. Today, here, in October, and at any time in the future.
We remember our past very well, and we know and understand what we must do to ensure that we do not lose the freedom and life of our country. Let us listen to our own hearts and our wise minds.
Dear Ms Zālīte!
You have previously said that you feel happiest and find it easiest to write at your country home, close to nature. So allow me to wish you many, many beautiful moments there, in the Latvian countryside. Over the years, you have already told us so much about Latvia and about ourselves, but we look forward to your new works and new discoveries!
And may each of your new works lead us to that land of happiness we call Latvia!
