Latvia honours fallen soldiers and remembers the cost of defence

Latvia’s annual tributes to fallen soldiers honour those killed in past conflicts and those who have died in military service today, LSM reports. Since the restoration of independence, seven Latvian soldiers have been killed in international operations: four in Afghanistan and three in Iraq.

They were awarded the highest class of the Order of Viesturs. Another 22 Latvian soldiers have died during military training. Several volunteers from Latvia have also been killed in the war since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Hundreds of people place candles at memorials and graves on Lāčplēsis Day, November 11. The day is chiefly associated with battles in the Latvian War of Independence, fought at the beginning of the country’s formation.

Each year, a series of events honours fallen soldiers. The largest takes place on the Friday before Lāčplēsis Day at the Ādaži military base. Known as Soldiers’ Night, it commemorates those killed in international operations and those who died while performing their duties, as well as soldiers who lost their lives in accidents or because of illness.

Jēkabs Oļegs Dzērve, senior chaplain of the National Guard and a pastor with the Union of Baptist Churches of Latvia, said the day usually begins with a charity run involving soldiers. Participants also donate money to support the families of fallen soldiers.

The programme includes a special service in the base chapel, followed by an evening ceremony at the monument to fallen soldiers. Base personnel, allied troops, government officials and armed forces leaders gather for salutes, music and candlelight, Dzērve said.

Separate commemorations are also held on the anniversaries of soldiers’ deaths. Chaplains lead prayer services and moments of silence, and flowers are laid at their graves.