Press release, 24 September 2016
Photo of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Latvia
Dear Madam Speaker of the Saeima,
Dear guests,
I am delighted to celebrate the unity and brotherhood of our nations – the Day of Baltic Unity –together with you again. This is a big holiday for our two nations. It is getting increasingly impressive every year as it serves to symbolically renew and strengthen the ties of kinship and long-term partnership that have tied us together since time immemorial. This year marks the 780th anniversary of the Battle of the Sun, when united Samogitian and Semigallian forces conquered the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. That was a great victory, a defining moment in the history of our two countries.
We are here today, in Liepāja, like a big beautiful family that has gathered together not only to celebrate but also to pay tribute to the memory by our presence. Historical memory links the living generation of the nation with the generations that have already gone to eternity and builds the bond with the coming ones. I am pleased that today we can state that, in spite of all the challenges, difficulties and severe blows, we, the Baltic nations, have survived for thousands of years in our ancestral lands, preserved for future generations our languages, customs and values and, what is most important, our historical memory. This is the victory that our nations have won against time.
Our achievements, however, do not allow us to relax. In the wake of the new geopolitical challenges, our solidarity and unity are more important than ever. Latvia and Lithuania need to cooperate even more closely supporting each other and sharing our best practice. It is the guarantee for our future progress and prosperity of our nations.
Dear Latvians and fellow Lithuanians, let us be strong, brave, proud, powerful and free like oak trees taking root in our ancestral land, which gives us daily strength and wisdom, with our branches reaching high into the sky. Let us always firmly stand on the land of the Balts, because it is our land, Latvia and Lithuania, the land of our ancestors, our parents, our children and grandchildren.
Congratulations on the Day of Baltic Unity to you all! Have a cheerful celebration with lots of songs and dances, and enjoy unity in your future endeavours and aspirations.
