Commemorative events honoring the Latvian War of Independence will take place throughout Latvia on November 11, featuring participation from the National Armed Forces and allied soldiers. The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have invited residents to join the public gatherings, remember fallen soldiers, and celebrate the historical victories of the Latvian Army.
The day’s official schedule begins at 09:00 with an ecumenical service at Riga Dome Church. At 11:00, a moment of silence will occur after Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Defence Minister Raivis Melnis, and National Armed Forces Commander Major General Kaspars Pudāns place wreaths at the Eternal Flame within the Riga Brothers’ Cemetery.
Ceremonial military events will continue in the afternoon. At 13:00, the Headquarters Battalion of the National Armed Forces will conduct a changing of the guard ceremony at Freedom Square, open to residents and visitors. A second changing of the guard ceremony will follow at Riga Castle at 14:00.
Did You Know? Lāčplēsis Day is celebrated in Latvia to mark the independent Latvian army’s victory over the Western Volunteer Army on November 11, 1919.
Evening Procession and Museum Exhibitions in Riga
Latvian Television will broadcast a live solemn procession at 18:00 held at the Riga Brothers Cemetery to honor soldiers who fell during the Latvian War of Independence.
The Latvian War Museum will host a military equipment exhibition alongside a commemorative bonfire for freedom fighters. The display and fire will remain open to the public from 08:00 until 22:00 on November 11.
Guardsmen wear field combat uniforms to civilian workplaces
Beyond standard commemorations, National Guardsmen across Latvia are encouraged to wear their field combat uniforms to civilian workplaces on November 11 to raise public visibility and encourage recruitment.
“A uniform at work is not a parade element – it is an invitation to a conversation. If a colleague arrives in uniform on November 11, do not hesitate to talk to him (or her). If you are in uniform yourself, use this day to address someone you trust and invite them to stand by you. There is a place for everyone in national defence: one – in the ranks, another – with their professional knowledge, and still another – as a family or employer who understands and supports the National Guard service. It is precisely such participation that makes Latvia strong,” said Brigadier General Aivars Krjukovs, Commander of the National Guard.
The National Guard currently maintains approximately 10,000 members, with an established recruitment goal of reaching 12,000 personnel, particularly by drawing participants from regional areas. New legislative rules introduced this year establish a “National Guard supporter” status for individuals who cannot or prefer not to carry arms due to age, health, or other factors. Lawyers, analysts, data specialists, and drivers can thus contribute specialized skills to national security without holding a weapon, though officials note that work remains ongoing to finalize regulatory frameworks for full supporter involvement.
Answers about Latvian military history and commemoration ceremonies
Who will lead the wreath-laying ceremony at the Riga Brothers’ Cemetery?
On November 11 at 11:00, the Eternal Flame will receive wreaths from National Armed Forces Commander Major General Kaspars Pudāns, Defence Minister Raivis Melnis, and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
What historical event does Lāčplēsis Day commemorate?
The national day is celebrated in honor of the independent Latvian army’s victory over the Western Volunteer Army on November 11, 1919.
How can individuals contribute to national defense without carrying a weapon?
A new legal status for “National Guard supporters” allows lawyers, analysts, data specialists, drivers, and other professionals to contribute their civilian skills to national security, though regulatory frameworks to fully implement this status are still in development.
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