Honourable President of the Republic of Latvia,
Honourable Prime Minister,
Esteemed members of the 4 May Declaration Club,
Honourable Members of the Saeima,
Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished guests,
Honourable people of Latvia,
I
Five hundred years ago, in 1525, the first book in the Latvian language was published.
This was no coincidence—it was a defining moment in our nation’s history, a milestone that marked the Latvian people’s path toward the written word, toward education, and toward a conscious connection with our language.
Throughout the centuries, language has been the cornerstone of our people. It has allowed us to grow into a unified nation, and to dream of our own state.
Language and state—this connection is no accident. In the second half of the 19th century, Latvian intellectuals and the Young Latvians laid the foundation for national self-awareness.
Juris Alunāns once said: “Our advice is this: hold your father’s language in honour and esteem, and you will do well on this earth. Only those who hold themselves in esteem can command esteem from others.”
II
It is 4 May 1990. Reason has overcome madness. Light has triumphed over darkness.
The independence of the Republic of Latvia has been restored. That day, 138 members of the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration “On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia”—a day we often refer to as Latvia’s second birthday.
This declaration was both the culmination and the conclusion of the Third Awakening. It illuminated the most important chapters of our nation’s 20th-century history: the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia on 18 November 1918, its international recognition, the unlawful Soviet occupation, and the cruel repressions that followed. It declared Latvia’s forced incorporation into the Soviet Union illegal, and it restored what had always been most precious to us—the Republic of Latvia, and its Constitution.
III
The restoration of our independence was the clearest expression of the will of the people. We believed in Latvia’s freedom from the very moment our land was occupied.
But to fulfil this unyielding will, courage was required.
The courage to confront the unknown. To change the course of history. To awaken a nation. To stand at the crossroads of time—and rise above it all. It took immense courage to accomplish something so great: to return a country to its people. And it took just as much courage to do it asking nothing in return.
That is why we express our gratitude to those who, deep in their hearts, had faith in their country and have kept this faith alive to this very day. We thank those who kept the dream of Latvia alive. Latvia did not need to be built anew. We had to reclaim what had been stolen.
Despite the horrors of war and the weight of Soviet repression, our people did not surrender. The “French Group” kept alive the idea of a free Latvia in secret. National partisans continued their resistance, seeking to delay the consolidation of Soviet power. Latvians in exile preserved the idea of our statehood abroad. Likewise, dissidents carried on throughout the occupation—a proof of how strong people can be when they stand firm against power, against fear.
A belief in justice transformed into a national movement, including organisations such as the human rights group “Helsinki-86” and the Environmental Protection Club. The Popular Front of Latvia was founded, becoming a driving force for the restoration of Latvia’s independence. And on 23 August 1989, two million people joined hands in the Baltic Way.
In every family, the belief in Latvia’s freedom endured. These were values and traditions passed down quietly and preserved from one generation to the next. Red-white-red flags, traditional costumes, the musical notes of our anthem, and our folk songs were hidden away. They were symbols of hope. They reminded us: Latvia had not disappeared. She lived on—in silence, in memory, and in the hearts of her people.
IV
The ice had begun to shift. What had been set in motion could no longer be stopped.
The air was electric, and freedom almost tangible. Though 4 May is but one moment in our history, it marked a new beginning for a nation hungry for freedom.
It was a journey home—to our true selves.
In his memoirs of that day, Supreme Soviet member Arnolds Bērzs wrote: “We walk out into the jubilant, overflowing streets. No more militiamen, no more guards. The shouts: Bravo! Bravo! Latvia! Latvia! Lithuania! Lithuania! Estonia! Estonia! Thank you! Thank you! And I was overcome by a strange feeling—almost like a fraud. Why thank us? What have we given? A declaration? Independence on paper? Freedom on paper? No. We have given these people the chance to feel free in their hearts. And with this heart-born freedom, the people will find their way to true freedom.”
Our long-dreamed-of Castle of Light has risen. And now, everything depends on us—on how honourably, responsibly, and respectfully we shape the history of Latvia’s new era.
V
Today, Latvia is a stable democracy with a developed economy, a modernised health care and education system, and a society committed to strengthening its security and freedom. We are a member of the European Union and NATO. Our GDP has increased more than tenfold. We are among the countries with the fastest internet in Europe. Our young people receive world-class education. We are advancing green energy and digital innovation. We have outstanding athletes, our excellent film industry representatives have earned an Oscar, and our musicians perform in the greatest opera houses of the world. We speak one of the world’s oldest living languages, and we uphold the largest song festival tradition anywhere on earth. We can take pride in our strong regions, economically flourishing cities, and vibrant rural areas.
Together with our Lithuanian brothers, we still “compete” over whose cold soup tastes best. And with our Estonian friends, over which capital city first put up a Christmas tree.
But above all—we have made it clear to the world: freedom and democracy are our guiding values—not just words on paper.
VI
Today, it is no secret that the world is undergoing profound change. War, armed conflict, disinformation, imperialism, and shifting spheres of influence are reshaping the global order. And yet, despite these unavoidable changes, we must remain steadfast in our core values: our language, our land, our state, and our freedom. We must do our utmost to ensure that no one even thinks of taking it away from us!
Thank you to everyone who lives and works in Latvia. Thank you for the work you do for our country. Let us not allow everyday frustrations to divide us or breed discontent. Let us focus on what unites us and propels us towards our common goal and shared dream.
In closing, I turn to Krišjānis Valdemārs—this year marks his bicentenary—who was among the first to speak publicly about our people’s strength and rightful place in Europe: “Latvians must dare to dream bigger.”
Dear people of Latvia,
Let us dare to dream bigger. Let us believe in ourselves—because Latvia begins with each one of us.
God bless Latvia!
