Home Guard marks 35th anniversary with concert at Freedom Monument

Riga is hosting a full day of events today marking the 35th anniversary of the Zemessardze, Latvia's National Guard, the Guard's headquarters Communication Department announced.

Daytime events

Celebrations began at 10:00 with a service at Riga Dome Cathedral. At the same time, the Esplanade opened a display of military equipment used by the National Guard, while the parks around the Freedom Monument hosted exhibitions of weapons, equipment and various demonstrations of Guard capabilities.

At 12:00, a ceremonial parade of National Guard units took place at the Freedom Monument, open for residents and visitors to watch. From 13:00 to 16:00, discussions on topics relevant to the National Guard are being held at Opera Square.

Evening concert

From 13:00, the National Guard orchestra performs a concert titled "The Land We Protect" at the Freedom Monument. The programme also includes the Guard's choir "Stars" and dance ensemble "Bramaņi", along with special guests — the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. Musicians Atvara, Intars Busulis, Miks Galvanovskis and Dainis Skutelis will also perform.

Historical background

The law "On the Latvian National Guard" was adopted on 23 August 1991, establishing the Guard as a voluntary military formation for public self-defence. The following day, the first order was issued to begin registering candidates in municipalities. In September, battalions began forming according to the country's territorial division, and the National Guard headquarters was established.

Within a few months, more than 10,000 volunteers had joined the 35 territorial battalions, and within a year their number grew to nearly 17,000, making the National Guard the largest state-loyal military organisation in Latvia.