Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs' Independence Day Speech: A Call for Unity and Strength
Hello, my dear Latvia!
Happy 107th birthday! As we celebrate this special day in municipalities, cities, and across the globe, we gather here at the Freedom Monument, a symbol of our nation's resilience and spirit. Today, we honor the monument itself, which marks its 90th anniversary, and the enduring determination of our people.
Our ancestors fought for and secured our Fatherland and Freedom. It is our duty to protect these hard-won gains, not to toy with them. When faced with challenges, we must fix what is broken, not destroy it. By embracing opposing viewpoints, we gain a deeper understanding. If we become self-righteous, we risk losing sight of each other's perspectives. Yet, we need each other more than ever.
We possess the power to unite for the common good, just as the founders of Latvia did. Our shared vision is clear: a free and strong Latvia. But we must stay true to this path, avoiding the pitfalls of chasing unrealistic illusions. The light of our freedom shines from the West, not the East, and our daily struggles are part of the ongoing fight for a brighter future.
Dear friends, let us infuse our Latvia with goodness and extend that goodness to one another. We are blessed with care, respect, and love, which we witness in our daily endeavors across Latvia. These virtues are reflected in the successes of our people, both within our borders and on the world stage. They are embodied in the flowers that adorn our Fatherland and Freedom.
Our strength lies in our ability to look beyond the present, to listen, and to forge a common path. It is in these moments of unity that we find the strength to persevere, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And where do we find this strength? In our shared source of power—our beloved Latvia!
May God bless Latvia!
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