Latvia’s 20 years of NATO are brightly celebrated at the Freedom Monument / Article

On Thursday morning, a flash event took place – the unfurling of a large-sized flag accompanied by the National Armed Forces Headquarters Orchestra, and at noon – a flower-laying ceremony, when the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, arrived in Latvia.

A low flyover of allied air force fighters is also planned, demonstrating the presence of NATO’s Baltic airspace patrol mission in our region.

A photo exhibition and military equipment of Latvia and allied countries can also be viewed in Brīvības Square.

The member of the board of the Transatlantic Organization of Latvia, professor Žaneta Ozoliņa, in an interview with Latvian Radio, admitted that Latvia is a member of NATO is a reason to celebrate today, but on the other hand, the international situation, “the atmosphere charged with geopolitical tension in the world and our almost neighboring Ukraine” does not allow to enjoy this day to the fullest.

“Answer where we [Latvija] would be if there was no NATO, is to be found in Ukraine. (..) All these 20 years and years before joining NATO show changes both in the strengthening of our national independence and in the development of the capabilities of the armed forces, as well as in the public’s attitude towards security. It was not far behind the mountains when we believed that the alliance was not needed, that there would be no conflicts, that these were just unnecessary expenses,” said Ozoliņa.

She emphasized that safety should be the duty and responsibility of every person. The alliance is becoming stronger every day, as evidenced by the fact that countries are increasing their defense budgets, and also the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO.

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