Latvia’s National Guard marks 35 years with Riga ceremony

Latvia’s National Guard, a volunteer military self-defence formation, is marking its 35th anniversary in Riga on Sunday with a formal ceremony and concert at the Freedom Monument, LSM reported.

The Latvian public media broadcaster is providing live coverage of the military ceremony, featuring National Guard units, and the concert “The Land We Protect”, which will include several well-known Latvian musicians.

The anniversary events began at 10 a.m. with a service at Riga’s Dome Church. Military equipment was put on display in Esplanāde park, while weapons, equipment and demonstrations of various capabilities were presented in the parks around the Freedom Monument. Visitors were also invited to take part in creative activities.

The formal ceremony at the Freedom Monument was scheduled for noon, followed at 1 p.m. by the concert on a stage near the monument. Performers include the National Guard Orchestra, the National Guard choir Stars and the National Guard dance ensemble Bramaņi.

The special guest is the Canadian Armed Forces Central Band, led by Captain Kristine Davis. Latvian performers Atvars, Intars Busulis, Miks Galvanovskis and Dainis Skutelis are also taking part. Major Andis Karelis is the concert’s artistic director and principal conductor.

Confidence in the need for a national self-defence organisation strengthened during the January 1991 barricades, when society united to defend Latvia’s independence. On August 23, 1991, Latvia adopted the Law on the National Guard, defining it as a voluntary military self-defence formation.

The first order on registering National Guard candidates in municipalities was issued the following day. Battalion formation began in September according to Latvia’s territorial division, and the National Guard headquarters was established. More than 10,000 volunteers joined 35 territorial battalions within a few months, and membership grew to almost 17,000 within a year.