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“We are a strong and warm nation. We have an unwavering love for our country. And when the time comes to raise the flag together, all of us, each with our own story and experience, become one. Our country is not just a place on the map — it is who we are. As long as the love for our country lives within us, Latvia shall live as well,” said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, during the ceremonial sitting of the Saeima in honour of the 107th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, extending her gratitude to every Latvian because for us freedom is not just a word but a true value that we protect, nurture, and pass on to future generations.
For us Latvians, freedom has always been the central axis of our existence. “To be free in our land, in our thoughts, and in our beliefs. To be the masters of our land and shape our own future. The awareness of freedom is a value that has grown within us through generations,” said Speaker Mieriņa while emphasising that today, with tensions rising in the world and also in our society, it is crucial to speak openly about what unites and divides us. “We are individuals with different views and beliefs. Perhaps now is the time to pause, listen, and find common ground,” urged Speaker Mieriņa, highlighting that sometimes we seem to forget that freedom also means the ability to listen, respect, and build dialogue.
“During these 35 years of independence we have enjoyed constant growth and development. We have been dazzled by freedom and democracy, and today we have found ourselves on the edge of a cliff, because it turns out that freedom is not only a feeling, it is also courage and action that requires determination and effort,” said Daiga Mieriņa, highlighting that as generations change, freedom is increasingly taken for granted, yet it remains a value that must be protected against external threats and internal social division.
“The war in Ukraine is a reminder that our challenges are far greater than our internal quarrels. The Ukrainian people, through their courage and selflessness, remind us that freedom is both precious and fragile. This war is a warning: we must dedicate all our efforts to strengthening our security—internally, externally, and within each one of us,” said Speaker Mieriņa.
“The Latvian state was founded when various political forces and ideologies came together in a shared belief that Latvians needed their own free country; that Latvians could live under one flag and speak one language. The founding of our state proves that opposing views can co-exist without competing,” said the Speaker of the Saeima, emphasising that Latvia is a maturing democracy where we learn to hold a respectful debate and to recognise our responsibility for the future of our country. “When we set aside our ideological battles and close the social media and news sites, we return to the simple and universal values—family, health, well-being, and safety,” stated Speaker Mieriņa.
The Speaker of the Saeima also highlighted that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Freedom Monument, built and later protected, cared for and then restored by our own hands. It is a mark in history and a reminder to ourselves—Latvia is and shall remain through the ages and through the centuries, said Daiga Mieriņa.
“Our family, our closest people, are the ones who, through memories, shape our patriotism and our belonging to this place we call home: Latvia. We feel patriotism in every family, kindergarten, school, at holiday concerts and in everyday life. Feeling a flatter in our hearts when we hear “Latvia”, feeling the shoulder of the person beside us, hearing the last notes of the national anthem, or returning to the Riga Airport after a long trip,” said Speaker Mieriņa.
Saeima Press Service