Latvian celebration of Lāčplēsis Day and Independence Day

The month of November makes every Latvian proud and very often we see Latvians wearing a small Latvian flag on their clothes – being it just a pin or a ribbon. The month of November is a Patriot month in Latvia.

The period between the Proclamation of the Independent Republic of Latvia on the 18th of November 1918 and the 11th of November 1919 was one of the most complicated periods in Latvia's history as battles were still going on for the independence of the newly-born country. Only in 1919 it became clear that Latvia was genuinely independent when the Russian Army was driven from Riga during the Latvian War of Independence.

During Patriotic month, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDFECOL) Latvian students and faculty collected donations for National Defence and Patriotism Foundation “NAMEJS”. The aim is to support veterans who have served in the Latvian National Armed Forces and their families. Donors received a unique pin with a ribbon.

On the 11th of November, the Latvian contingent of the BALTDEFCOL, together with representatives of the Tartu Latvian Society and the Ambassador of Latvia to Estonia, H.E. Ms Kristīne Našeniece laid candles as every year in Tartu Raadi cemetery to commemorate Latvian soldiers who died in Estonia during World War I.

On the 16th of November, the Latvian contingent of the BALTDEFCOL celebrated the most important day for Latvians - Independence Day. The reception was opened by the Latvian Senior National Representative, Colonel Dzintars Roga, who shortly explained the importance of the events that took place during the week between 11th to 18th November. It was followed by the Commandant of the BALTDEFCOL, Brigadier General Ilmar Tamm, who congratulated all the Latvians on their most important day. On reception participated honorable guest, former Latvian freedom fighter Bruno Javoišs. In 1963, at the age of 23, he put on the huge independent Latvian flag on the top of 90-meter-high radio tower in the center of Riga. 

On the 18th of November, the BALTDEFCOL Flag group took part in the Latvian military parade in Riga together with Latvian army troops, Ministry of Interior forces, Young Guard units, and NATO entities and forces.

Sincerest congratulations to all Latvians! Happy 104th Anniversary, Latvia!