The main event of the day was a military parade in the town of Jekabpils but other events of all types and sizes are equally meaningful as older people remember the feeling of winning back freedom and younger people learn how Latvia's long-suppressed independence was renewed.
Before the parade rumbled past him, featuring troops and equipment from allied nations as well as Latvia, President Raimonds Vējonis offered his congratulations via social media. "The restoration of Latvia's independence would not have been possible without brave decisions made by Latvian people. It is our duty to safeguard and develop our land so that we leave it free and safe for future generations," he wrote.
Sveicu Latvijas Republikas Neatkarības atjaunošanas dienā! Latvijas neatkarības atjaunošana nebūtu iespējama bez Latvijas cilvēku drosmīgiem lēmumiem. Mūsu pienākums ir sasniegto nosargāt un attīstīt, lai mūsu zemi brīvu un drošu atstātu nākamajām paaudzēm. pic.twitter.com/sqNcxnvAoc
— Raimonds Vējonis (@Vejonis) May 4, 2019
Other public figures also added their thoughts on the occasion. Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš offered thanks to all those who have striven to make Latvia "more beautiful and stronger".
Mēs dzīvojam brīvā un neatkarīgā Latvijā. Mēs varam būt lepni par mūsu valsti, par mūsu cilvēku sasniegumiem un panākumiem. Paldies ikvienam, kurš ar savu rīcību un lēmumiem ir veidojis mūsu mīļo Latviju skaistāku un stiprāku. Saules mūžu Latvijai! ??
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) May 4, 2019
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs provided commentary in English.
Latvia celebrates the Day of Restoration of Independence, congratulations to all who love and support Latvia and thanks to our friends and allies for being with us in good and bad times
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) May 4, 2019
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Happy May 4 from all of us at LSM.
