President wishes to feel pride and create joy on the anniversary of the restoration of Latvia's independence

RIGA - On the 34th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, the President Edgars Rinkevics wishes to feel more pride than modesty, to be happy for the people of Latvia, and to bring joy to those who cannot find it themselves.

Rinkevics points out that in the 34 years since the restoration of our country's independence, a new generation has grown up, which has learned about authoritarianism only in history books and foreign news broadcasts, not in everyday life.

"Although freedom may seem self-evident, it is not. The history of our country proves this," the President reminds. In his view, our freedom is the accession to the European Union and NATO 20 years ago, as well as the strong support of the Baltic States for Ukraine. Our freedom is the opportunity to gather and criticize when something is not going right, but at the same time we also have a responsibility to protect our homes, to protect our children's opportunity to live in their own Latvia, he stressed.

"We care. That is why we work. And it is for this very reason that we celebrate. If an independent Latvia is important to us, then we must allow ourselves to rejoice. That is why today, on May 4, I invite every patriot of our country in Latvia and around the world to celebrate the anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia. In a free, independent and democratic Latvia, we are each free to choose. Everyone can live and celebrate as they wish. And this is a very great value," said the President in his statement to the nation.

He thanks the deputies of the Supreme Council who courageously voted for the restoration of Latvia's independence on May 4, 1990.

The President wishes every Latvian patriot today not only to see joy, but also to create and show joy to those who, for whatever reason, cannot find it themselves. The President encourages people to rejoice for our country and our Latvian people, to have more laughter than tears and more emotions than worries.

"And especially today - may there be more pride than modesty! Pride in our red-white-red flag, pride in our country and our Latvian people," the President of Latvia urged, wishing Latvia a lifetime of sunshine.