“We begin where there is land, where there is work, where there is home, where we feel we belong. We begin where there is freedom: where one harvests cranberries from the bog and, in autumn, inhales the damp breath of the forest; where it smells of bread, summer, and the sea. We begin where a winding road leads us home. We begin within ourselves. And our country’s path is freedom and democracy. Freedom is the path that leads us home,” said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on 4 May at the ceremonial sitting of the Saeima in honour of the 36th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, emphasising that we begin with Latvia, and Latvia is all of us.
Speaker Mieriņa urged to value what we have—our freedom, our state, and our language, for we tend to forget our values in the daily rush. Together we share our country—Latvia—that we proudly call home.
Speaker Mieriņa emphasised that on 4 May 1990, the history of our country changed irreversibly: one hundred and thirty-eight votes “in favour” echoed in the chamber of the Supreme Council, in the streets of Old Town Riga, throughout Latvia, and the entire world. The modern history of our state began at a period that would have terrified many. It began with faith in freedom that grew into courageous action.
“The foundations of our state are inseparable from courageous people for whom no task was too difficult— people who were capable of giving more than they received,” said the Speaker of the Saeima, highlighting that there are countless brave people living among us: farmers and those working in agriculture who care for our land; teachers educating the younger generation; medical professionals providing healthcare; staff of the interior services ensuring security and public order every day; young people who volunteer for the national defence service; people who constantly find new ways to help and support Ukraine; and the Armed Forces, selflessly standing guard for our state each day, strengthening Latvia’s security.
In her speech, Speaker Mieriņa focused on the role of the society in strengthening the state. “At this very moment, we need awareness of our national, human, and shared values,” noted the Speaker of the Saeima.
We live in an age when events change by the hour rather than by the day, yet despite this rapid pace we must not make hasty and ill-considered decisions. The Speaker of the Saeima also urged to overcome the false separation between the society and the policymakers, emphasising that we are all building our country together.
Popularity and image polishing, at a time when our society continues to face new challenges, do not constitute courage, said Speaker Mieriņa. “The upcoming elections must not serve as an excuse for poorly considered decisions, the consequences of which will affect the entire society. We must make every effort to ensure that the essential needs of our people are addressed,” emphasised Speaker Mieriņa, pointing to the importance of responsible action in today’s fast-paced world.
Speaker Mieriņa’s speech also highlighted the importance of simplicity and the value of the mundane. The Speaker of the Saeima noted that patriotism is not loud words, but everyday actions—care for one’s environment and language, work done with dignity, and respect for one’s own land and people.
“We learn to honour work by working, and we learn to honour one another by recognising the value in every single one of us,” highlighted Speaker Mieriņa, urging for more mutual respect and humanity as the foundation of a strong and resilient society.
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Saeima Press Service