Latvians around the world celebrate Proclamation Day and Patriot Week

Latvians living in different time zones around the globe celebrate the 104^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia during the Patriot Week. Egils Levits, President of Latvia, has released a special video message to all Latvians abroad that will be played at diaspora events and receptions held by Latvian embassies globally.

According to information provided by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia, thousands of Latvians came together to celebrate Latvia’s birthday this week in Belgium, Poland and the United Kingdom where celebrations will continue on 19 November when Kārlis Zemītis and Elza Rozentāle will perform at ‘Straumēni’.

Latvians from Canberra (Australia) celebrate Proclamation Day today, on 17 November. Choir ‘Balta’ will take care of festive atmosphere there. Latvians in other parts of Australia will mark the day too. On 18 November, Proclamation Day will be marked by fellow Latvians in Sydney, on 19 November in Perth and Melbourne, on 26 November in Adelaide and 26 November in Brisbane.

Latvians living in Hungary will meet at the Proclamation Day event in Budapest today, on 17 November.

Diaspora events and embassy receptions with video greetings from President of Latvia Egils Levits will also take place in the United States of America, Austria, Brazil, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Germany, Sweden, Uzbekistan and other countries.

President Levits’ Proclamation Anniversary Message to Latvians around the world

Dear Latvians around the world, congratulations on anniversary of Latvia!

This is the 104^th year when we celebrate founding of Latvia on 18 November. It is the day when we celebrate our statehood, freedom and democracy.

It is a day when we think about Latvia more, on much deeper level. We feel part of Latvia. We feel that its future is in our hands. There is no other one like Latvia, no better place for us. And we are ready to stand for it.

Fellow Latvians,

Latvia is becoming more Latvian. Saeima’s decision to switch to Latvian-only education, to our official language, will have profound effect on our future. It is a vital step forward. As Latvia becomes more Latvian, our society becomes more united.

We are days away from a new government. Government that will have to make vital reforms. Our economy must grow faster and people’s well-being must improve more rapidly.

This requires much closer and more intense cooperation with diaspora. Latvia clearly needs smart people with western type of thinking. Latvia cannot achieve excellence in education, economy and other areas without your help in making the change happen.

Let us unite for change. Let us work together and spare no effort in making Latvia more prosperous, Latvian and modern like other European countries.

Dear Latvians,

Behind me you can see portraits of Pauls Kalniņš and Jāzeps Rancāns. These portraits have recently been added to gallery of Latvian presidents. Kalniņš and Rancāns were both acting presidents in exile who continued to serve our country during the occupation. 100 years of presidency of Latvia is a perfect occasion to acknowledge their input and commitment to Latvia’s revival.

I also want to thank everyone who continues to make Latvia better while living abroad!

Dear friends,

Next summer we will all come together for National Song and Dance festival, a beautiful, truly Latvian phenomena that will mark its 150^th anniversary, uniting different generations of Latvians all over Latvia and the world.

Song and Dance Festival is the very being of our nation and the way we manifest our love for Latvia. It is an event we can enjoy together no matter where we are.

May Latvia live forever!

Congratulations to all Latvians and citizen of Latvia on anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Latvia!