We call November Patriots Month. We invite Indra Melbārdi, director of the Personality Development Center, to discuss whether it is enough to pin a red and white ribbon to clothing as a statement of patriotism.
He believes that patriotism is characterized by owner consciousness, readiness to work for the good of Latvia even on a daily basis. “There are not many nations in the world that have their own country. The symbol of the Latvian flag, the ribbon on the lapel, is a visual reminder that we use to underline our attitude: I appreciate, I am proud and I support this country. It is nice to have a flag precisely during the festive period, because you don’t always have to show everything,” says I. Melbārde.
— In your opinion, what is the general level of patriotism of Latvian citizens?
“Of course, people are different. They want to direct their thoughts and energies to that part of the people who are patriots. Recent events shed light on what we previously sensed but “swept under the rug.” It turns out that we have disloyal ones with us, who may even be waiting for another army to arrive. But during the holidays we shouldn’t put emphasis on it, because we give energy to what we think about.
There are people who, despite everything, have grown even more in patriotism. We learn a lot from Ukrainians and this is the time to reevaluate values. Thought, however, can be focused on increasing the good. At the same time, patriotism can to some extent manifest itself in real actions to stop the nonsense towards the country. At least by scolding or calling the police, state security authorities for help. I noticed in recent months Latvian residents
He believes that patriotism is characterized by owner consciousness, readiness to work for the good of Latvia even on a daily basis. “There are not many nations in the world that have their own country. The symbol of the Latvian flag, the ribbon on the lapel, is a visual reminder that we use to underline our attitude: I appreciate, I am proud and I support this country. It is nice to have a flag precisely during the festive period, because you don’t always have to show everything,” says I. Melbārde.
— In your opinion, what is the general level of patriotism of Latvian citizens?
“Of course, people are different. They want to direct their thoughts and energies to that part of the people who are patriots. Recent events shed light on what we previously sensed but “swept under the rug.” It turns out that we have disloyal ones with us, who may even be waiting for another army to arrive. But during the holidays we shouldn’t put emphasis on it, because we give energy to what we think about.
There are people who, despite everything, have grown even more in patriotism. We learn a lot from Ukrainians and this is the time to reevaluate values. Thought, however, can be focused on increasing the good. At the same time, patriotism can to some extent manifest itself in real actions to stop the nonsense towards the country. At least by scolding or calling the police, state security authorities for help. I noticed in recent months Latvian residents
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