RIGA, May 4 (LETA) - Strengthening security is not merely a matter for the future, we must be ready for all of life's twists and turns, including the worst, President Edgars Rinkevics said in his address at the regional military parade in Aizkraukle on Monday.

"36 years ago, Latvia regained its freedom and independence. And every day since, we continue to safeguard our Latvia," said Rinkevics.

For 14 years now, the National Armed Forces have been greeting Latvia's regions with a parade. The foundation of Latvia's security lies in every municipality and every city across our country, said the president. "The first regional parade brought joy to the people of Rezekne; in the years that followed, our Independence Restoration Day has been celebrated with parades throughout Latvia - from Liepaja to Kraslava, and from Jelgava to Aluksne."

The strength, determination, and courage of Latvia are assembled today in Aizkraukle, said Rinkevics. The ceremonial flag is today passed on to Balvi, so that next year the tradition may continue, bringing celebration to the people of Latvia's regions.

Although 36 years ago people of Latvia were full of enthusiasm and resolve, Latvia's regained freedom was fragile, Rinkevics emphasized. "Today is different. We have our own army, professionals and volunteers, our National Guard and our Youth Guard. We have allies, with whom, shoulder to shoulder, we are building stronger defense in Latvia, across the Baltic and Nordic region, in Europe, and within NATO as a whole," he said.

Freedom and security are the result of the efforts of all of Latvia. The work, skills, and knowledge of every individual help to sustain and strengthen our security, Rinkevics stressed.

Security resides in every confident person, said Rinkevics. "In everyone who believes that Latvia is and will remain free. I believe it. And I know that you do as well - otherwise, we would not be gathered here today. Yet confidence in our own strength does not remove the need to continue improving and refining what we do," he added.

Our strength lies in our preparedness, the president pointed out. "Strengthening security is not merely a matter for the future, we must be ready for all of life's twists and turns, including the worst. Our historical experience teaches us to rely on ourselves, as well as on our friends and allies. This is the moment to set aside petty disputes and the trivial. For our adversary tests us every day. He takes satisfaction in our disagreements and quarrels. We must not be weak within," Rinkevics emphasized.

Russia's war in Ukraine has now continued for a fifth year, he added. Latvia supports Ukraine, and Latvia learns from it. Hybrid activities are already under way, seeking to create a sense of insecurity and instability. "Every day, our border guards repel attempts to cross illegally into our country at the border with Belarus and efforts to damage its infrastructure. Direct consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine include drone incidents in Latvia and in our neighboring countries," said Rinkevics.

Targeted investment in defense and internal security capabilities, the development of the defense industry, and strengthening cooperation with Latvia's allies are the immediate and most important tasks. "The stronger we are today, the clearer the deterrent signal to our enemy. However difficult it may be, we must invest in the defense of our country. We must invest substantially. For without our country, we will have neither our language nor our nation," Rinkevics said in his address.

Winning freedom is hard. Regaining it is even harder. "Therefore, let us safeguard our country's freedom every day - in our actions, our thoughts, and our convictions," said the president.