Lāčplēsis Day celebration in Brussels

On November 11 this year, the Embassy of Latvia in Belgium had invited Latvian diaspora to celebrate Latvian Freedom Fighters' Remembrance Day - Lāčplēsis Day:  to light a candle in memory of the fallen, to sing our patriotic songs and enjoy Latvian flavors.  During the evening program, the Sea Captain and Deputy Military Representative to NATO/EU Gvido Ļaudups, together with Defense Adviser of Latvia’s NATO Representation Kaspars Galkins engaged in a lively discussion with diaspora representatives about Latvia’s national defense service and everyone’s responsibility in protecting our statehood.

Ambassador Aiga Liepiņa, in her opening speech, warmly thanked all participants in such large numbers to mark this important day for our nation also in Brussels, and wished everyone to maintain a resilience, willpower, and determination on this Lāčplēsis Day and beyond. She also highlighted the embassy’s apprecioation for a good cooperation with Latvian diaspora groups in Belgium, who helped to make the idea of this event a reality. The embassy was especially pleased with the participation and active involvement of the young Latvian people.

The Brussels Latvian Theatre (Sirsnīgais Briseles latviešu teātris), with a short thematic performance, recreated the atmosphere of Latvia’s freedom fights, reminding of decisive events in our country’s history more than a hundred years ago and encouraging the audience to imagine and empathize with that era.

A pleasant surprise was also prepared by the World Federation of Free Latvians, which presented a certificate of recognition to Mišelīna Lazdiņa-Kolins, who is a granddaughter of Latvia’s first envoy to Belgium. Mrs.Lazdiņa has for many years been the “cornerstone” of the Latvian diaspora in Belgium, always present, supportive, and strengthening our country’s reputation.

Before the informal part of the event - the singing of patriotic songs with the Brussels Latvian Choir and enjoying Latvian refreshments - embassy representatives invited participants to “light” electric candles and place them by an improvised wall, thus joining compatriots at that moment forming a candle wall by the walls of Riga Castle.