Nov 18 2021

Latvia's Independence Day

Latvian Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence of the Republic of Latvia from German and Russian occupation on November 18, 1918 after the end of the first world war.

Meet Brigadier General Georgs Kerlins. We asked him a few questions about his country and about Latvia's Independence Day.

Read his answers below:

Latvia

Brigadier General Georgs Kerlins

Latvian National Military representative to SHAPE

1. What do you miss most about home?

Probably like most people – relatives and friends.

2. What have you found rewarding about working in such a multinational environment as SHAPE?

Meeting new interesting people. Getting to know the cultures and the history of other Nations.

3. What is something unique about Latvia that others might not know?

Difficult to say what others know and don't know, but I find it interesting that the territory of Latvia is bigger (64 000 square kilometres) than that of Belgium, but we have a significantly smaller population (1,9 million). This usually brings pluses and minuses. One of the pluses is bigger territories of relatively intact nature which I think is very beautiful.

4. During normal non COVID times how would you usually celebrate this national day?

Normally there would be a number of public official events, concerts and also military parades in our capital - Riga. As military I would take part in some of these events during the day and afterwards I would have a birthday cake with my family at home.