From the time of the renewal of independence in 1991, the government of Latvia has consistently adhered to the fact that the state of Latvia honours its fallen soldiers on 11 November (Lāčplēša diena) - the day we remember our heroes.
Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis stresses that senior officials and members of government do not participate in March 16 events at the Freedom Monument.
M.Kučinskis reminds - it is generally recognised that Latvia has experienced occupation of two totalitarian regimes - the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
“Latvia as a state was destroyed and dragged into the criminal World War II. By means of inhuman repressions, continuous acts of terror, constant intimidation and humiliation, both the occupying Nazi Germany and the Soviet power, contrary to the principle of international law, illegally conscripted or forced large numbers of Latvian citizens to join one or the other of their national armed forces. The fates of the people of Latvia were inhumanly broken, spoiled and profaned,” says M.Kučinskis. He emphasizes that, it was only through restoration of the state of Latvia in the 20th century that end was put to this injustice.
Latvia has consistently condemned the crimes against humanity which were committed by both totalitarian regimes.