RIGA - Our security is our responsibility, and this is not just a slogan, President Edgars Rinkevics said during the National Armed Forces' parade at the 11 November Embankment marking the 106th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia on Monday.
Our ancestors, who sacrificed their lives for Latvia, would rejoice at the red-white-red flags flying proudly over Latvia - a free, independent and strong Latvia, said Rinkevics.
Addressing the soldiers, servicemen and youth guards, Rinkevics said that tomorrow would mark 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine continues to fight, and we must continue to help Ukraine.
Rinkevics stressed that we must learn from Ukraine and do so now, because we must be ready to defend our country today, tomorrow and always.
In peacetime there is an opportunity to learn and improve, to admit our mistakes, to correct them and to learn from our own good and bad experiences, as well as to learn together with NATO allies to defend our country and people, to resist the enemy, said Rinkevics.
Addressing the allied troops, Rinkevics said that their presence in Latvia had grown from a battlegroup to a brigade, and thanked them for their contribution.
"A secure Latvia means a secure Europe and a strong NATO. The security of our country is not only a national issue - it is an essential part of the security and stability of the entire Alliance," said Rinkevics.
Addressing the border guards, the president pointed out that threats and challenges along Latvia's eastern border required vigilance and preparedness. "It is our duty to strengthen external and internal security of our country. We must be ready to respond to the unexpected and unpredictable," said the president.
While addressing rescuers, firefighters and police officers, the president said, "We each have something to protect, and all of us together - the freedom and independence of our country, our land, but especially the people of Latvia. And that is what we do. Because together we are a force."
Rinkevics thanked every soldier, serviceman, policeman, rescuer, border guard and firefighter who had made Latvia stronger and safer this year. The President also thanked youth guards and soldiers of the National Defense Service for their patriotism and strength.
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