Latgale independence centenary to be marked with celebrations in Latvia

Take note – story published 4 years ago

Several celebratory events have been organized to celebrate the Latgale independence centenary by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and National Armed Forces, including the National Guard 3rd Latgale brigade, in cooperation with municipal governments in Latgale, according to the Ministry on December 31.

“In 1920 Polish allies fought with our soldiers to free Latgale. Even today, 100 years later, Polish soldiers offer significant investment in Latvian security and will actively participate in this important Latvian holiday,” said Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (Development/For!).

On January 3 centenary independence celebrations organized by the MOD and Polish Embassy in Latvia will be held in Daugavpils. A remembrance ceremony will be held by the Slobodka cross – a memorial to the fallen Polish soldiers in the 1920 independence battles. An evening service will also be held at the St. Ludwig Roman Catholic Church in Krāslava and the restored monument to the fallen Polish soldiers will also be revealed at the Krāslava cemetery.

On January 16 in Rušenica in the Rēzekne region a memorial stand will be revealed in honor of the Latvian Army 3rd Jelgava infantry regiment, next to the monument dedicated to the regiment, which fought in the independence battles 100 years ago. Additional celebrations will take place in Preiļi on January 18, as well as National Armed Forces Day in Rēzekne on January 21 and Ludza on January 26. The closing centenary event will include a regional Armed Forces parade in Daugavpils on May 4, which will include NATO units and Polish Armed Forces units.

The independence battles ended with a peace agreement between Latvia and Soviet Russia on August 11, 1920. Latvian Independence Battle and Army 100 year events began in Liepāja in January, 2019. The celebratory and memorial events are held chronologically, following historical events and battles throughout Latvia. Even though Latvia declared independence on November 18, 1918, it took a few more years of defending the country to maintain freedom.

The Latvian Army was created on July 10, 1919. A few months later this new army freed Rīga from Bermondt's armed forces. More information about the Latvian Independence War and the Latvian Army is available on the Armed Forces website.

Latgale Independence centenary celebrations
Latgale Independence centenary celebrations

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