Public invited to honour Latvia’s freedom fighters and attend events during Patriotic Month
In November, as Latvia commemorates Lāčplēsis Day and celebrates the 108th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, the Ministry of Defence invites the public to take part in Patriotic Month events, honour the memory of Latvia’s freedom fighters and celebrate the country’s independence.
On Friday, 6 November, a military equipment exhibition will be on display outside the Latvian War Museum from 8:00 to 20:00. At 14:00, a memorial bonfire will be lit in honour of Latvia’s freedom fighters.
On Wednesday, 11 November, Lāčplēsis Day, a military equipment exhibition will be on display outside the Latvian War Museum from 8:00 to 22:00, alongside the memorial bonfire honouring Latvia’s freedom fighters.
At 9:00, an ecumenical service will be held at Riga Cathedral, while at 13:00, a ceremonial changing of the guard by the Guard of Honour Company of the National Armed Forces Headquarters Battalion will take place at Freedom Square.
The ceremony will feature a precision drill performance by professional soldiers of the Guard of Honour Company, as well as a drill performance by State Defence Service soldiers of the Headquarters Battalion, in cooperation with the National Guard Orchestra, the National Guard dance ensemble “Bramaņi” and musician Jānis Aišpurs.
At 14:00, a ceremonial changing of the guard by the Guard of Honour Company of the National Armed Forces Headquarters Battalion will take place at Riga Castle.
The Lāčplēsis Day commemorations will conclude at 18:00 with a ceremonial evening roll call at the Riga Brethren Cemetery, honouring the memory of soldiers who fell in Latvia’s struggle for independence.
On Wednesday, 18 November, marking the 108th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, a military parade featuring the National Armed Forces, Allied units and services involved in national defence will take place on the 11 November Embankment in Riga from 13:30 to 14:45.
A military equipment exhibition will also be open to the public at the Riga Passenger Port from 11:00 to 16:00.
The military parade is one of Latvia’s most significant national holiday traditions, demonstrating the unity of the National Armed Forces, Allied forces and services involved in national defence, as well as their readiness to strengthen Latvia’s security.
The Ministry of Defence encourages everyone in Latvia to honour the country’s freedom fighters during Patriotic Month, wear a ribbon in the colours of the Latvian national flag and celebrate Latvia’s independence together. The red-white-red ribbon should be worn with its ends pointing upwards, forming a stylised letter “V” symbolising victory, as November marks the decisive victory over Bermondt’s forces.
Those unable to attend the events in person are invited to follow coverage and live broadcasts on Latvian Public Media and TV24, as well as on the social media accounts of the Ministry of Defence, the Latvian Armed Forces, “Esmu karavīrs” and the Latvian Television News Service.
Lāčplēsis Day is commemorated in Latvia to honour the victory of the independent Latvian Army over the West Russian Volunteer Army, commonly known as Bermondt’s forces, on 11 November 1919.
The Latvian Army launched its decisive offensive against Bermondt’s forces on 3 November. Despite fierce fighting, the enemy forces were driven out of Riga by 11 November. During the battles against Bermondt’s forces, Latvia lost 743 soldiers, including 57 officers.
Lāčplēsis Day is also significant because the Order of Lāčplēsis, Latvia’s military decoration bearing the motto “For Latvia”, was established on 11 November 1919. The Order was awarded to soldiers of the Latvian Army, former members of the Latvian Riflemen regiments, and foreign nationals who participated in the Latvian War of Independence or contributed to and supported the establishment of the Latvian state. A total of 2,146 Orders of Lāčplēsis were awarded.
The Latvian War of Independence lasted from 18 November 1918, when the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed, until 11 August 1920, when the Latvian–Soviet Russian Peace Treaty was signed. The Saeima, Latvia’s Parliament, has designated 11 August as the Day of Remembrance of Latvian Freedom Fighters.
Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
