“It would be very strange to say that the Armed Forces protect the Latvian State remotely. We cannot do that, so we cannot avoid cases where soldiers are infected with COVID-19,” he said.
At the same time, the NBS is prepared to support the State Border Guard, the State Police and the Prison Administration if it will be necessary due to COVID-19. In spring, the NBS already helped the border guards. Kalniņš stressed that the NBS is prepared to support home affairs services simultaneously with national protection.
Speaking about Lāčplēsis Day, marked today in Latvia, Kalniņš said that the NBS continued the tradition of supporting people most in need – elderly homes and orphanages. The armed forces begin this day with traditional service and will place remembrance candles and flowers in limited numbers.
Kalniņš was asked what kind of person, in his mind, could be called a today's hero in Latvia. He responded that it was someone who contributes to the country so it flourishes and is prepared to protect the state.
