RSU students, staff, and Rector walk to Brethren Cemetery to honour fallen heroes
As is tradition, Latvian fraternities and sororities, academic units, senior state officials, officers of the National Armed Forces, and university management gathered at the University of Latvia and walked to the Riga Brethren Cemetery on the morning of 18 November to honour the heroes who gave their lives for Latvia's independence.
Photo from RSU archives
At the Brethren Cemetery, the national anthem and other songs were sung, and solemn speeches delivered, commemorating not only the fight for Latvian independence in 1918–1920 and those who lost their lives, but also celebrating the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Latvia.
‘The history of our independent state stretches back two centuries, and while it might seem like something we can now take for granted, the events unfolding all too close to us, meaning Russia's atrocious war in Ukraine, remind us of the importance of Latvian patriots' sacrifices for our country, both in the last century and today. We are here to honour those Latvian officers, student organisations, student societies, and other academic units who, through their courage and belief in Latvia, stood firm in defence of our nation,’ said Rīga Stradiņs University (RSU) Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, addressing the participants of the commemoration at the Eternal Fire.
‘We stand here today to demonstrate our unity and our readiness to defend Latvia in the best way we know how.’
After the commemoration, participants laid flowers at the statue of Mother Latvia.
The 18 November procession, a tradition that dates back to the period of Latvia's first independence and was revived in 1992, commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Latvia and honours those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom. The march attracts over 1,000 participants each year and is organised by the Presidium Convent of Latvian student societies.
About the Latvian War of Independence
The Latvian War of Independence was the fight for an independent Latvian state, lasting from its proclamation on 18 November 1918 until the signing of the Latvian-Soviet Peace Treaty on 11 August 1920. During the fight, the newly established Republic of Latvia—recognised de facto by Estonia, Poland, and the Western Allies—successfully defeated the forces of Soviet Russia and Soviet Latvia, as well as the German Iron Division and the West Russian Volunteer Army (the Bermont Army).
