Thousands celebrate Latvian independence day

Thousands celebrated Latvians independence day on Nov. 18.

On a chilly evening at the Riga Freedom Monument, Latvian President Andris Berzins capped a full day of Independence Day activities by addressing the nation.

Sidestepping politics, the president spoke of the role that each and every citizen of Latvia plays individually, and each citizen's responsibility. He urged everyone to "be wise, worldly wise", accenting proper education for the children of the nation, reports LETA.

Following a live worldwide joint rendition of the national anthem, the skies over the Daugava River lit up with a spectacular fireworks display for Latvia on its 95th birthday.

Around 12,000 people also participated in a torch-lit procession in Riga.

The procession started with a sing song event at the monument to Karlis Ulmanis on the intersection of Valdemara Street and Raina Boulevard.

After that, the participants in the procession walked down Valdemara Street and Daugava Embankment to Riga's Old Town, and eventually arrived at the Freedom Monument.

The torch-lit procession in memory of the fight for freedom from 1918 to 1920 was first organized eleven years ago.