National Day of Latvia
By RasmaSandra
@RasmaSandra (82298)
Daytona Beach, Florida
November 17, 2023 3:34pm CST
Tomorrow Latvia celebrates its National Day on November 18. It is also known as the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. Due to the country’s turbulent history, this day was not celebrated during times of occupation but I’m sure many people quietly remembered it in their homes privately.
On that day many events take place all throughout Latvia, particularly in the capital, Riga. It all begins with a nationally televised address to the people by the President of the Republic of Latvia who at present is Edgars Rinkevics, the former Latvian Foreign Minister. His speech is given in front of large crowds in the square by the most important landmark the Freedom Monument.
A military parade goes past the monument and people lay down flowers to honor those who lost their lives fighting for independence. Many people also take part in a torchlight procession strolling through the decorated Riga streets.
The photo is my own taken of the Freedom Monument.
15 people like this
12 responses
@snowy22315 (184827)
• United States
17 Nov 23
Happy National Day of Latvia .enjoy!
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Nov 23
@snowy22315 thank you just good memories
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Nov 23
@AmbiePam we usually stayed home and watched on TV and then has a special meal because the weather can be quite cold at this time of the year but many people do crowd the city,
2 people like this
@celticeagle (170902)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Nov 23
@RasmaSandra ........It all sounds very festive.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 23
@celticeagle it is amazing how Riga looks at this time even all the transport vehicles have flags attached
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472447)
• Switzerland
19 Nov 23
@RasmaSandra I am sorry this day also is a sad memory. There are days we cannot forget.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Nov 23
@just4him I don't know because I have not heard anything but I will take a look online out of curiosity, Every Latvian community in the US also celebrated. If you're interested in meeting Latvians this comes from the Internet,
Of the 50,000 Latvians who immigrated to the U.S. after WWII, 45,000 came as "displaced persons:" around 1,500 came to Wisconsin. The largest concentration of Latvians are in Milwaukee, followed by Fond du Lac and Madison.
1 person likes this
@just4him (318962)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
21 Nov 23
@RasmaSandra I'm sorry they were displaced after WWII. Fond du Lac is an hour south of Green Bay.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (183856)
• United States
18 Nov 23
Happy National Day. That's a very good photo. Thank you for the background information. Good memories. Have a great weekend.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 23
@LindaOHio thank you and you too have a good weekend
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (183856)
• United States
19 Nov 23
@RasmaSandra You're welcome.
Thank you very much!
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (47341)
• India
4 Dec 23
It comes late but greetings to the Latvians across the world.
The Monument looks interesting and unique.
Does many people come as visitors here?
I think it would be a good idea if you can share some video link of the parade or something about the Latvian Independence day
Still a nice share!
Have a nice day ahead !!
1 person likes this
@allknowing (140312)
• India
18 Nov 23
You must be so missing Latvia. I can understand
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 23
@allknowing the photos and memories help
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91763)
• Arvada, Colorado
17 Nov 23
What a lovely monument and day for Latvia Sandra. Thank you for telling us of it.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91763)
• Arvada, Colorado
19 Nov 23
@RasmaSandra Oh was it..now that day has other meaning for you..a sad one too
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 23
@Fleura I certainly hope not but then look who they have for neighbors
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 23
@JudyEv that is very true because for a long time Latvians thought they would never be free
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82298)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 23
@Dena91 thank you, That monument is even higher and bigger had to crop the photo it is quite impressive when standing right in front of it.
1 person likes this
