Latvia celebrates freedom today

It gives me great pleasure to greet you on the occasion of the National Day of Latvia.

It is the most significant Day for Latvia, because It was the 18th of November 1918, when the newly independent state was born, on the coast of the Baltic Sea in the very heart of Europe.

I would like to emphasize on this day that we cannot abandon our ideals when striving to attain our goals. A free Latvian nation in an independent, sovereign Republic has always been the dream of the Latvian people, and this always must be treasured. Latvia’s freedom is the culmination of years of striving by the nation and the flowering of its fundamental values.

 Freedom requires the politicians and society at large to act responsibly. Politicians must be responsible in their decisions, and society in its participation. Together we are responsible for all our deeds, working for the good of ourselves, our families and our country. Latvia has to continue to cultivate the careful balance between the Presidency, the Parliament and the Government. To work to unify and consolidate society is another important goal. People from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds live in harmony in Latvia. This is a major accomplishment of the Republic-and a reflection of the democratic values that its basis.

At the same time we still occasionally see intolerance and a lack of respect for those with opposing views- sometimes even in the simplest of questions. This is as an untreated abscess on the body politic. The holders of different views argue feverishly, incapable of respectful debate or unwilling even to engage in civilized discourse. It is indeed crucial that differing views be heard-but a diversity of views must possess that quality that leads us to consider and make crucial decisions for the benefit of all.

Latvia is a country with a growing economy. Prosperity is no longer a distant vision but a goal that is within sight. However, wealth alone will not make a person or society happy. In a healthy society people responsibly participate in the national life. We should be working together, not battling each other. The structure of the state, intertwined with the welfare of the public, is the framework in which we can achieve-security as individuals and secure a future for our children and grandchildren.

Among the major - achievements of Latvia is national security of the kind our country was never before able to attain. Full membership in the European Union is no longer merely a matter of policy but a reality. We must remain reliable allies, enhancing transatlantic dialogue. A strong EU and a strong NATO are the primary guarantees for our prosperity and security. We must work constructively with all our neighbours, developing a dialogue and enhancing cooperation in view of the fact that our countries are collectively responsible for the long term, sustainable development of the region. A successful foreign policy requires making responsible decisions. Internal accord, as a working partnership between all citizens, is essential to cooperation with our partners both near and far.

The Latvian people assisted in the reconstruction in affected areas in the aftermath of the tsunami, with funds utilized for preschools and (will always be happy to) reach out a hand to the Sri Lankan people to assist. Whenever necessary they share will all European nations a deep fund of goodwill towards this beautiful island.

Please join me on this important day in wishing both Sri Lanka and Latvia a bright, peaceful and happy future.

Brief history of Latvia

The territory known today as Lativa has been inhabited since 9000BC.
In the first half of 2000 BC, the proto-Balts or early Baltic peoples arrived
They are the forefathers of the Latvian people.

Soon after reinstating independence, Latvia, which had been a member of the League of Nations prior to WWII, became a member of the United Nations. In 1992, Latvia became eligible for the International Monetary Fund and in 1994 took part in the NATO Partnership for Peace program in addition to signing the free trade agreement with the European Union. Latvia became a member of the European Council as well as a candidate for the membership in the European Union and NATO. Latvia was the first of the three Baltic nations to be accepted into the World Trade Organization.

At the end of 1999 in Helsinki, the heads of the European Union governments invited Latvia to begin negotiations regarding accession to the European Union. In 2004, Latvia’s most important foreign policy goals, membership of the European Union and NATO, were fulfilled.

On April 2, Latvia became a member of NATO and on May 1, Latvia, along with the other two Baltic States, became a member of the European Union. Around 67% had voted in favour of EU membership in a September 2003 referendum with turnout at 72.5 percent.

The world knows Latvia by...

The world’s oldest civilisations have understood that a nation’s greatest treasure is its people. Latvia is an exceptional example of how great people and great ideas are often born in relatively small countries.

Over the centuries, Latvia’s geopolitical situation has been shaped by its strategic Baltic Sea location at the crossroads of trade and conflicting large power interests. The dynamic forces that forged Latvia’s turbulent history have produced a unique set of values, traits and characteristics in its people and have led to their recognition around the world. This is just a brief look at the achievements and contributions of some of the world famous scientists, inventors, artists, athletes, and businessmen whose lives originated or were influenced by Latvia. Also notable are those exhibiting a characteristically Latvian attribute-a passion for exploration, innovation and adventure

The world’s smallest mechanical camera, the Minox.

In 1937, the State Electrotechnical Plant (Valsts Elektrotehniska Fabrika-VEF) in Riga began production of the world’s first functioning miniature camera, the VEF Minox, invented by Walter Zapp from Riga. This was an entirely novel kind of camera, which, thanks to its simplicity and ease of use, not only promoted amateur photography, but also opened up completely new possibilities. This miniature camera (17 x 27 x 80 mm, 125 g), without any additional equipment, gives a sharp, high-contrast image at a distance of as little as 20 cm, and the image can be

enlarged up to 20 times without losing quality. With its 8 x I I mm film, the camera also became an immediate favourite among secret agents, who praised its capacity for rapid and technically simple photographing of documents in excellent quality. Although the Minox soon became known as the legendary ‘spy camera’, most have in fact been sold to ordinary, peace-loving buyers. It still remains in production.

Rocket scientist Friedrich Zander (1887-1933)

Riga-born Friedrich Zander began work already in 1908 on jet engine technology, turning in 1917 to the technology and science of space rocketry. He is regarded as one of the world’s pioneers of rocket-building and astronautics. Zander worked systematically on the development of rocketry and examined the possibilities of interplanetary travel. In 1929-1933, Zander, at that time in

Moscow, Russia, designed the first jet-propelled rocket engines powered with liquid fuel (GIRD-l0). He had the idea of using the gravitational force of the moon and the other planets of the solar system for rapid interplanetary travel, and likewise he developed the theoretical basis for what still seemed quite fantastic ideas at the time, but became reality in the second half of the 20th century: the ‘cosmic greenhouse’, the ‘winged rocket’ and the ‘space plane’. Zander also developed ideas that still await realisation, such as using the force of light for spaceship propulsion. A crater on the Moon and a small planet bear Zander’s name.

The world best _known orchid Earnests Floats

Latvian biology professor Ernests Foldats, born in Liepaja in western Latvia, is regarded as the world’s foremost orchid specialist. An immense field for research opened up for Foldats in South America, which has a great diversity of wild orchids.

In the years of his life and work in Venezuela, he brought together and systematised an exceptionally voluminous body of information on orchids and described around 70 previously unknown species. In 1998, the Academy of Sciences of Venezuela elected Foldats the country’s leading biologist.

Inventor of the airborne warning and controls system

Konstantins Pocs is one of the most outstanding Latvian scientists and inventors. After more than 30 years of work in the US Air Force laboratory in Boston, he became a leading designer of meteorological rockets and one of the creators of AWACS. This is a radar-based electronic system designed to carry out airborne surveillance and command, control and communications functions for both tactical and air defence forces. Computers, along with communications and control instruments of the highest standard, are installed in the aircraft. A rotating ‘rotodome’ is built on the top of the aero

plane tail, in which a radar and identification antennas are installed, supplying the clew with data that are evaluated by computers and other instruments on board.

The White Wagtail

The Latvian national bird is the balta cielava or white wagtail (Motacilla alba). This slender and graceful bird is often found in Latvia from April till October. The white wagtail can usually be seen running briskly along the ground, wagging its tail up and down. This bird usually nests in the rafters and eaves of buildings, woodpiles, stone piles, and birdhouses. During the winter it migrates to Southern Europe and North Africa. The white wagtail was affirmed the national bird of Latvia in 1960 by the International Bird Protection Council.

The national insect

The Latvian national insect is the two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata). The two-spot ladybird is familiar as a useful insect that protects plants from parasites. Although rather slow by nature, it can defend itself well. Due to its appearance and behaviour it is widely known and liked throughout Latvia. The insect’s Latvian name - marite - is a synonym for the ancient Latvian goddess Mara, who embodies the power of the earth. The two-spot ladybird was designated the national insect of Latvia by the Entomological Society of Latvia

Latvia’s most popular flower

The Latvian national flower is the  pipene or daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare, earlier also known as Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), which also grows here in the wild. In Latvian conditions the common or wild daisy blossoms from June till September. Daisies are a very popular flower and are often used in flower arrangements or given as gifts.

The Linden and the Oak

The linden, or lime tree (Tilia cordata, Latvian: liepa) and the oak (Quercus robur, Latvian: ozols) are considered the national trees of Latvia. The oak and the linden tree are characteristic elements of the Latvian landscape. Both trees are still widely used for medical purposes.  Medicinal infusions are made of linden blossoms as well as oak bark. Latvian dainas (folk songs) often reflect ethical and moral concepts of earlier times. Amongst other trees, these folk songs most often mention the oak and linden tree.

Latvia’s Baltic Sea Amber

Amber has long been viewed as a precious stone associated with the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Latvians themselves have occasionally referred to the Baltic Sea as the Amber Sea (Dzintarjura), reinforcing the symbolic importance of amber (dzintars) in Latvian culture and history. Unlike other precious and semi-precious stones which are formed through inorganic chemical processes, Baltic amber (succinite) is formed from organic elements – fossilised pine resin. For this reason, amber absorbs body heat and is easy to shape.

In ancient times Latvian territory was known as a source for amber.

Amber from the Baltic Sea coast was valued as component for jewellery and was used for barter in Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Greece and the Roman Empire. At times it was considered even more valuable than gold. Just as in the past, amber today is most commonly used in jewellery. Amber has traditionally been usedtocreate amulets,pendants, broaches, buttons, necklaces and intricate pieces of decorative jewellery. Amber has also been used for pharmaceutical purposes, since it contains succinic acid, which is considered to have unique medicinal properties.

The Daugava River