Latvian-made Patria carriers visit 60 Vidzeme schools

National Guard members took Latvian-made Patria armoured personnel carriers to 60 schools in the Vidzeme region for Lāčplēsis Day, giving pupils a chance to explore the vehicles and ask questions, LSM reported.

The visits, organised for the second year in a row, included smaller rural schools. At Kocēni Primary School, third-graders Karlīna and Odrija said the carrier was impressive, though Odrija admitted she felt a little afraid.

Pupils at Rubene Primary School climbed aboard and tried moving through the vehicle. Second-grader Kate said it was fun to explore the Patria and see the camouflage, while third-grader Aleksandrs said getting down had been a little scary.

First Lieutenant Juris Škapars, chaplain of the National Guard’s 22nd Combat Support Battalion, said the meetings let children learn about the National Armed Forces and see and touch military equipment. Pupils asked about the carrier’s size, weight and fuel consumption, he said.

Tags: Latvia, Vidzeme, National Guard