During these days in November we celebrate the 94th anniversary of the independent Latvia. Born in our dreams, founded, cherished deep within our hearts, renewed and free – this is our Latvia.

When asked how we can help our country, Juris Rubenis, a Latvian Lutheran pastor, has said: “The answer is simple and complicated at the same time. Each of us can give our country a better, more empathic, more honest, more loving and wiser person. The person any of us can become.”

Indeed, we do not always have to look for heroes or accomplish great deeds. Each of us with our daily work, patriotism and by putting Latvia’s objectives before our personal ambitions contribute to the development of a strong Latvia. Therefore, in the spirit of 18 November I would like to emphasise that a free and flourishing Latvia is our joint achievement.

Devotion to our state, ambitious goals, honest attitudes and duties fulfilled conscientiously – these are the gifts we can dedicate to our state every single day. I call on all patriots of Latvia to keep the feeling of belonging and togetherness of 18 November locked deep in our hearts. Latvia is each of us regardless of where we live – in Latvia or far away. The future of our state depends on the strength of our roots and awareness of our obligations and responsibilities. We can transcend ourselves, look into our hearts and find a way that leads us to our people and our country. We can raise Latvia with our very own hands.

I sincerely congratulate you on the 94th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia!