Parliamentary Secretary Dace Melbārde commemorates the recipients of the Military Order of Lāčplēsis and diplomats at the Rock Creek Cemetery

On November 11, 2024, on the 105th Day of Lāčplēsis, marking the anniversary of the 1919 victory of the Latvian Armed Forces against the West Russian Volunteer Army during the Latvian War of Independence, Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, alongside Elita Kuzma, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the United States of America, and Major General Ivo Mogiļnijs, First Rank Defence, Military, Air and Naval Attaché to the USA, with organization “Daugavas Vanagi” and the diplomatic staff of the Embassy of Latvia commemorated the recipients of the Military Order of Lāčplēsis and diplomats at their final resting place in Rock Creek Cemetery.

Parliamentary Secretary Dace Melbārde noted the importance of remembering the people who devoted their whole lives to preserving the independence of Latvia during the occupation of the Soviet Union. “Their life’s work was for a free and independent Latvia”, reminded Parliamentary Secretary.

“The threat of depriving free countries of their independence will always exist, but right now we feel it especially close, when Ukrainians are actively fighting for their destiny and ours every day. We can be proud not only of their courage and selflessness in protecting Europe from the aggressor, but we can look with even greater pride at our forefathers, who gave their lives for the idea of a free and independent Latvia. We can be proud of the right to freely express our opinion, the right to freely choose our destiny, the opportunity not to succumb to external pressure,” the Parliamentary Secretary said during her speech.

Major General Ivo Mogiļnijs noted that “our duty is to honor and remember the bravery and heroism of the recipients of the Military Order of Lāčplēsis”, reminding of their service in sacrifice for the freedom and independence of Latvia. Major General expressed that “for a soldier there is no more important mission than defending the freedom and security of his country”.

Information:
The Rock Creek Cemetery is the final resting place for diplomats Anatols Dinbergs, and Jūlijs Feldmanis, and the recipients of the Military Order of Lāčplēsis: Artūrs Baumhammers, Alberts Bulle, Roberts Preiss- Straume, Jūlijs Pinnis, Pēteris Vanders.