A word for young people at the Independence Day

“The people of Latvia today remember with pride and gratitude those who gave their strength and health so that Latvia could become an independent country, so that we could have peace and security here in our Latvia and, of course, in our beautiful Cēsi county. We honor our ancestors who sacrificed everything so that we could have our own country, our own flag, our own anthem. Today we celebrate not only these past achievements, but also the future, as well as the opportunity to look at it with hope and optimism,” said Kristiāna Eglīte, a 9th-grade student of Līgatne Young Leaders High School, in her speech in Cēsis, Vienības laukum, on May 4. She took part in the first ever organized schoolchildren’s competition “If I were the chairman of the council” and got the opportunity to give her speech at a festive event in Cēsis.

Christiana also said in her speech: “On May 4th, we must remember that independence is a precious gift that requires constant respect, attention and care, so I invite you to be united in order to preserve and build our county as we want to see it.” On the other hand, the chairman of the council Jānis Rozenbergs reminded that we can celebrate the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Latvia’s independence thanks to the members of the Supreme Council of that time, among whom were also four from Cēsis – Jānis Endele, Jānis Kinna, Edvīns Kide and Druvis Skulte. Introducing Kristiānas Egliti, the chairman of the council said: “Let’s give the youth a voice. The competition is a great opportunity to find out what they think, what they dream about, what they want from this country and what they are ready to give it.”

J. Rozenbergs told “Druva” that the idea of ​​the competition was seen in the office of the President of Latvia, which annually organizes a competition, inviting young people to imagine themselves in the position of the President and to prepare a festive address to the nation on November 18: “We borrowed the idea and implemented it in the region. This was the first time, my colleagues understood what still needed to be improved, but we were happy that we got the jobs the first time, there was something to choose from. I would like that on May 4 we give the opportunity to a young person to give a speech, but the officials’ speeches are on the 18th. in November.”

Just after the speech, Kristiāna Eglīte admitted that there was anxiety. “Druva” also asked Jānis Rosenberg if he remembers his first public speech as an official. “I remember. Mr. Škenderas was the chairman of the council, but he returned from a business trip sick, so I had to prepare the speech during the day. I remember the excitement was such that at one point I thought I would fall over. And although many years have passed, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a big or a small event, the excitement is always there. Also today, my wife noticed that I was thoughtful in the car and asked if I was still worried. But I think there has to be a little bit of excitement to make things work.”

Christiana says that she has performed in public until now, singing in an ensemble and also dancing folk dances. She applied for the competition because the teachers encouraged her to participate: “I also agreed because I like to write. Last year I wrote something similar about November 18. However, when after a couple of days the school principal told me that I had passed, I was surprised, I did not believe that I would have to speak. With my speech, I wanted to emphasize that this is a very important day, I believe that all Latvians should celebrate it and, as I said in the speech, we should also look to the future, because our future would not be possible without such a day of restoration of independence.”

Jānis Rozenbergs, sharing his thoughts on this holiday, said: “Latvia’s history of independence is not long. The independence of the first free state was 22 years, now we have been living in free Latvia for 34 years, and I think that every day and every year is very important. The new generation that came forward now was born in a time of independence, in a free country. Not all nations have their own country, but we are among those who do, we have the right to decide our future and destiny, and I think we should use it and hold it as a sacred duty and responsibility.”

In Cēsis, Vienības laukumas, the “Vidzeme” choir, the “Beverīna” mixed choir, the “Tomēr” choir, the middle generation dance group “Raitais solis”, the ethno music group “Ogas” and the community “Stiprās sievas” also created a festive mood.