Honourable Minister of Defence!
Commander of the Latvian Armed Forces!
Head of Aizkraukle Municipality!
Parade participants, all those present!
My beloved, strong Latvia!
Today we celebrate the restoration of our independence. Together, we celebrate our Freedom Day! Thirty-six years ago, Latvia regained its freedom and independence. And every day since, we continue to safeguard our Latvia.
For 14 years now, the National Armed Forces have been greeting Latvia’s regions with a parade. The foundation of Latvia’s security lies in every municipality and every city across our country. The first regional parade brought joy to the people of Rēzekne; in the years that followed, our Independence Restoration Day has been celebrated with parades throughout Latvia – from Liepāja to Krāslava, and from Jelgava to Alūksne.
Today, here in Aizkraukle, the strength, determination, and courage of Latvia are assembled. The ceremonial flag is today passed on to Balvi, so that next year the tradition may continue, bringing celebration to the people of Latvia’s regions.
We truly have much to celebrate. Although thirty-six years ago we were full of enthusiasm and resolve, our regained freedom was fragile. Today is different. We have our own army, professionals and volunteers, our National Guard and our Youth Guard. We have allies, with whom, shoulder to shoulder, we are building stronger defence in Latvia, across the Baltic and Nordic region, in Europe, and within NATO as a whole. Our border guards and police protect us every day, and our rescue workers and medical professionals help us in times of crisis. Thank you all for your selfless work and service!
Parade participants!
Freedom and security are the result of the efforts of all of Latvia. The work, skills, and knowledge of every individual help to sustain and strengthen our security.
Security resides in every confident person. In everyone who believes that Latvia is and will remain free. I believe it. And I know that you do as well – otherwise, we would not be gathered here today. Yet confidence in our own strength does not remove the need to continue improving and refining what we do.
Our strength lies in our preparedness. Strengthening security is not merely a matter for the future, we must be ready for all of life’s twists and turns, including the worst. Our historical experience teaches us to rely on ourselves, as well as on our friends and allies. This is the moment to set aside petty disputes and the trivial. For our adversary tests us every day. He takes satisfaction in our disagreements and quarrels. We must not be weak within. Russia’s war in Ukraine has now continued for a fifth year. We support Ukraine, and we learn from it. Hybrid activities are already under way, seeking to create a sense of insecurity and instability. Every day, our border guards repel attempts to cross illegally into our country at the border with Belarus and efforts to damage its infrastructure. Direct consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine include drone incidents in Latvia and in our neighbouring countries. Targeted investment in defence and internal security capabilities, the development of the defence industry, and strengthening cooperation with our allies are our immediate and most important tasks. The stronger we are today, the clearer the deterrent signal to our enemy. However difficult it may be, we must invest in the defence of our country. We must invest substantially. For without our country, we will have neither our language nor our nation.
Soldiers, members of the National Guard, members of the Youth Guard!
Latvia places its trust in you. Latvia trusts its armed forces. I am pleased that, in the three years since the introduction of the National Defence Service, an increasing number of young people have volunteered to join. This shows that you, the younger generation, believe in our state, believe in its future, and are ready to defend it. Yet no matter how strong our faith in our country, our Latvia, we must not weaken it with missteps or, at times, with silence when it matters most. From time to time, we must look back on what we have done, analyse our mistakes, and acknowledge and correct them. We must be able to act quickly, we must be decisive in responding to situations that may be unfamiliar to us.
There is no doubt that attempts will be made to intimidate us using new methods. And we will never have ready-made rules for every situation. Therefore, each of us – whether at the national, regional, or municipal level, in the armed forces or in the internal security system – must be prepared to act according to our abilities and the circumstances.
Today, I am especially pleased to see so many children and young people among us. You are the reason we are here. For our shared goal is your future in a happy, free, and democratic Latvia.
Winning freedom is hard. Regaining it is even harder. Therefore, let us safeguard our country’s freedom every day – in our actions, our thoughts, and our convictions.
God, bless Latvia!
