Strengthening security is not only a matter of the future, because we need to be prepared for all turns of life, including the worst, emphasized President and Commander-in-Chief Edgars Rinkēvičs in his speech at the military parade in Aizkraukle on Monday.
Rinkēvičs reminded that for 14 years the National Armed Forces (NAF) have been celebrating regional parades in Latvia: "The first regional parade delighted the residents of Rēzekne, and in the following years our Independence Restoration Day was marked by parades all over Latvia - from Liepāja to Krāslava and from Jelgava to Alūksne," Rinkēvičs said.
On Monday in Aizkraukle, the strength, determination, and courage of Latvia gathered, and the festive flag was handed over to Balvi, where next year the tradition of regional parades will continue, the president stated.
According to him, although 36 years ago the residents of Latvia were full of determination, the restored freedom was fragile. "Today, everything is different. We have our own army, professionals and volunteers, our own militia (zemessargi) and young guards (jaunsargi). We have allies with whom we are shoulder to shoulder creating a stronger defense in Latvia, in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, in Europe and in NATO as a whole," the president noted.
Rinkēvičs believes that security lives in every self-confident person. "In everyone who believes that Latvia is and will be free. I believe in this. And I know that you do too - otherwise, we would not have gathered here today," the president added.
He noted that Latvia's strength lies in common readiness. According to him, strengthening security is not only a matter of the future, because we must be prepared for all turns of life, including the worst. "Our historical experience forces us to rely on ourselves, our friends, and allies. This is a moment to cast aside petty quarrels and trivialities. Because our opponent tests us every day. He rejoices in our disagreements and quarrels. We must not be internally weak," Rinkēvičs emphasized.
"The stronger we are today, the clearer a deterrent signal this will serve for Latvia's enemy. No matter how difficult it may be, we must invest a lot in the defense of our country. Because without our state, we will not have our language and people," Rinkēvičs noted in his speech.
He added that it is difficult to win freedom, but even harder to regain it. "So let us defend the freedom of our state every day - in our actions, in our thoughts, and in our confidence," the president urged.
