Valsts prezidents Latvijas Vēsturnieku komisijas starptautiskajā konferencē: Bez vēsturnieku pētījumiem un skaidrojumiem mēs nevaram objektīvi izvērtēt mūsu pagātni
“In the year marking the centenary of Latvia, historians of Latvia have become the focus of public attention because we cannot objectively evaluate our past and understand our development without the research and explanations of historians,”

stressed President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis at the Latvian War Museum addressing the International Conference hosted by the Commission of Historians of Latvia “Alternatives to Establishing Statehood in the Baltic Region (1917 - 1922)”.

The President of Latvia urged all historians to explain their research and create a basis for a new contribution this year, as we will not get along without the contribution and research of historians during the second century of Latvia either. Therefore, there is still a lot of topics that are just waiting for their researcher nowadays as well.

The President of Latvia acknowledged that today, when the 18 of November 1918 seems to be self-evident and almost the only possible scenario nowadays. However, it was not the case. “We had to defend our independence in the War of Independence of Latvia and prove that we are able not only to create but also to protect our independent country. The election of the Constitutional Assembly of Latvia in April 1920 and the international recognition of Latvia de jure in January 1921 reaffirmed that we had won,” emphasised Raimonds Vējonis.  

“Today, looking back at the formation of our country, it is very important to be inspired from the people of that time, to evaluate their decisions and stubborn belief in Latvia’s probability and future. We must thank those people for giving us the opportunity to live in a free and independent country. Let us use our country's centenary to find out more about the founders of Latvia including politicians, soldiers, diplomats, local government employees who had come from our native regions and towns. Let us tell our children and grandchildren stories about the victories and achievements of Latvia,” said the President of Latvia at the end of his speech.