Latvia marks restoration of independence day

The main event of the day was a military parade in the town of Madona.

Before the parade rumbled past him, featuring troops and equipment from allied nations as well as Latvia, President Raimonds Vējonis reflected on his own personal memories from the same location during the exciting and nervous days of Latvia's re-emergence from half a century of Soviet occupation.

"On May 4, 1990, I found myself here in Madona in my workplace on Blaumana Street. And I remember the excitement, the hot debates about the future, the expectations that swirled all around. And if someone would have told me then that I would ever become president of a free Latvia, I really would not have believed it. Back then I was only 24 years old! Today, here, without using beautiful words, I can assure you that in a free, democratic, independent state, anything is possible."

Furthermore, the presence of allied troops constitutes  "testimony to the whole world and every inhabitant of Latvia - we are not alone. Thank you to our allies for being here!" said Vējonis.

Happy May 4 from all of us at LSM.