Latvia to Mark Lāčplēsis Day With Commemorative Events on November 11

Latvian public, military personnel, and allied troops are invited to nationwide commemorations on November 11th to mark Lāčplēsis Day. The annual observance honors the victory of the independent Latvian army over the Western Volunteer Army on November 11, 1919.

Leaders Lay Wreaths at the Eternal Flame

Official events will begin at 09:00 with an ecumenical service at Riga Dome Church.

At 11:00, President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis, and National Armed Forces Commander Major General Kaspars Pudāns will lay wreaths at the Eternal Flame in the Riga Brothers’ Cemetery, followed by a minute of silence.

Guards, Exhibitions, and Evening Processions

A ceremonial changing of the guard by the Headquarters Battalion of the National Armed Forces is scheduled for 13:00 at Freedom Square, with a second changing of the guard ceremony to follow at Riga Castle at 14:00.

Throughout the day from 08:00 to 22:00, the Latvian War Museum will host a military equipment exhibition alongside a bonfire commemorating freedom fighters.

At 18:00, a solemn procession will take place at the Riga Brothers Cemetery to honor soldiers who fell during the Latvian War of Independence. Latvian Television will broadcast the procession live.

Uniforms in the Workplace

National Guardsmen across the country are invited to wear their field combat uniforms to civilian workplaces on November 11th. Brigadier General Aivars Krjukovs, Commander of the National Guard, stated that the uniform serves as an invitation to dialogue about national defense.

A uniform at work is not a parade element – it is an invitation to a conversation, Krjukovs said. If a colleague arrives in uniform on November 11, do not hesitate to talk to him (or her). If you are in uniform yourself, use this day to address someone you trust and invite them to stand by you.

Legislation Establishes Formal Supporter Status

Latvia currently maintains approximately 10,000 National Guardsmen, with a goal of reaching 12,000 personnel, particularly by recruiting residents from regional areas.

Legislative updates introduced this year establish a formal status for ‘National Guard supporter,’ allowing individuals who cannot or choose not to take up arms due to age, health, or other reasons to contribute professional skills in law, analysis, data processing, or driving to national security.