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Madam Speaker of the Saeima!
Madam Prime Minister!
Honourable Minister of Defence!
Commander of the Latvian Armed Forces!
Parade participants!
All those present!
On the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of Latvia, we rejoice in our freedom and independence. We honour all those who have stood guard over our statehood.
Security is the confidence that our children can grow up in peace. It is the assurance that our language, culture, and democracy are safeguarded. Security is confidence in the future.
Security is built on investment in strengthening our defence and resilience. It is not only about technology. Security is about people. It is the soldier who has sworn to defend his country. It is the trusted ally who stands ready to go into battle shoulder to shoulder.
Security is about learning. Let us bravely recognise our weaknesses and strengthen ourselves. Let us learn from Ukraine’s experience and continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor. And this is by no means simple. At times it is even deeply painful. May Ņikita Sļadzevskis, who fell in battle this May in the Luhansk region of Ukraine, rest in eternal peace. We also remember Vitālijs Smirnovs and Edgars Platonovs, who lost their lives in 2023 and 2024 for the cause of peace in Ukraine.
Security also means trust in our armed forces, our interior services, and our allies. It means resisting the hostile forces that seek to undermine our sense of unity.
We see operational vehicles with flashing lights and specialised equipment used by our border guards, firefighters and rescuers, police officers, and emergency medical personnel. Behind each one of you stands a person who protects the border, saves lives, and confronts those who break the law. A person who safeguards those around them. Thank you all for your vigilance and your strength!
Soldiers, members of the National Guard, members of the Youth Guard!
Thank you for your courage and service! You protect our borders and airspace, patrol the Baltic Sea, and you provide constant support to measures ensuring internal security. You safeguard peace not only in Latvia, but also in other parts of the world. Together, you form an unbroken chain of defence from the most experienced officer and instructor to the youngest guard. You protect peace at the risk of your health and your lives.
Commanders and soldiers of the Allied forces!
Thank you for standing with us, strengthening the security of Latvia and the entire NATO Alliance!
Rescuers, border guards, police officers and medics!
Thank you for your service!
We will protect all that is dear and close to us. Our families, our country, our freedom and independence. We will succeed if we act calmly and responsibly, without panic, exaggeration, and concerns about what will happen if it happens.
Let us hold fast to our goal!
Let us proudly celebrate Latvia’s freedom! And we continue to safeguard it responsibly!
God, bless Latvia!
