For more than a year, Sarmite's daily life has passed on the Ukrainian front, saving the lives of wounded soldiers and residents. She, too, suffered a serious injury in a Russian attack. One of her colleagues became disabled in that explosion.
Sarmīte recovered and continues her work on the front. This is where she is now, so a friend – Armed Forces Chaplain Anna Dobele – received the award for her, while Sarmīte sent remote video greetings.
“I say a warm thanks to those people who have voted for me, but it's not just about me... It is about making sure that I and all of us can help Ukraine more, and therefore Latvia, and therefore Europe, because we are all connected to each other,” the medic said. “We are together. and together we are a force! Thank you.”
The final three of the public vote for the European of the Year were Sarmīte Cīrule, Latvian hockey team captain Kaspars Daugaviņš, and Druva High School principal Sergejs Beļkevičs.
The title of the European of the Year in Latvia is awarded to the person who has provided the most significant contribution to strengthening links between Latvia and the rest of Europe, raising Latvia's profile in Europe and integrating European values in Latvia. The choice is made by public online vote. This year, the European of the Year in Latvia was announced for the 26th time.
