Latvian Celebration of Lāčplēsis Day and Independence Day at Baltic Defence College

November is a Patriot month for Latvians, and during this time, Latvians wear a small Latvian flag on their clothes in the form of a pin or a ribbon to commemorate the victory of the Latvian army over Bermont's troops on November 11, 1919, and celebrate the Independence Day on November 18. Gatherings at military cemeteries, bonfires, concerts, and awards ceremonies are held in Latvia and abroad. 

The period between the Proclamation of the Independent Republic of Latvia on November 18, 1918, and November 11, 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 did it become clear that Latvia was genuinely independent when the Russian Army was driven from Riga during the Latvian War of Independence.

On November 11, 2023, the Latvian contingent of the  Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), together with representatives of the Tartu Latvian Society and the Ambassador of Latvia to Estonia, H.E. Mrs Kristīne Našeniece, laid candles in Tartu Raadi cemetery to commemorate Latvian soldiers who died in Estonia during World War I.

On November 18, 2023, the BALTDEFCOL Flag group will participate in the Latvian military parade in Riga together with Latvian army troops, Ministry of Interior forces, Young Guard units and NATO entities and forces.

On November 15, 2023, 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 Ivo Mūrmanis, who shortly explained the importance of the events between November 11 and November 18. It was followed by the Ambassador of Latvia to Estonia, H.E. Mrs  Kristīne Našeniece, who congratulated all the Latvians on this occasion.

In November, the BALTDFECOL Latvian students, faculty and staff collect donations for the 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.