Rinkēvičs urges Latvians to protect country physically and spiritually

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has urged people to care for themselves, support others and protect Latvia both physically and spiritually, LSM reported.

Speaking at the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona, Rinkēvičs said people sometimes had to change their plans for safety, sleep less, arrive later than expected or leave tasks unfinished. He said the most important plan in life was to remain safe and healthy.

About 1,500 pilgrims attended the celebrations in Aglona, where peace was the central theme of the prayers.

Rinkēvičs said security had to be considered even at the brightest and most peaceful events. He added that the current situation had put the skies at risk not only in Latvia and Latgale, but around the world, and that new incidents could occur.

The president thanked the services responsible for public safety, but stressed that Latvia’s security was not only their responsibility.

“Latvia is not ‘them’ and ‘us’. We are all one large ‘us’,” Rinkēvičs said, adding that everyone was responsible for themselves and those around them.

He urged people to find a balance between alarm and indifference, describing the middle ground as calm and purposeful action. This included going to a safe place even when it seemed that nothing would happen, and then learning from the experience and considering what should be changed in the future.

Rinkēvičs also called on people to preserve their faith in goodness, universal human values and love for others. He said Latvians must not give in to evil, hatred, prejudice or intolerance.