In an additional element, a special flaming raft was launched into the waters of the River Daugava.
In attendance at Rīga Castle was President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who told LTV that Latvia should be a confident nation and resist intimidation by those who seek to belittle it.
He pointed out that "we have often thought of ourselves that we are patriots for one week a year and then everyone is grumpy again, but that is not the case... It is a matter of responsibility of each of us, how we help our country every day," President Rinkevičs said.
Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds, in his speech at the main military cemetery in Rīga, made a similar point. "On this day, we remember that Latvia is each of us, we are building Latvia and Latvia's future, we will be proud of our country and protect Latvia together," said the minister.
Similar events of remembrance are taking place across Latvia. The picture below shows a scene from Daugavpils.
Photo: Илона Кравченок
To learn more about Lāčplēsis Day and its significance, you might like to read this explanation. If you would like to follow LTV's live coverage, you can do so here.
