As we await and celebrate the 106th anniversary of our country,
and look ahead to those still to come!

As a citizen, world, I am no use to you,

though passports and maps fill my pockets,

for I know that I must be in Latvia

in August, in December, in March.

For without me the hazels there will not blossom,

for without me no boletus will sprout there,

for without me, in the patterned sleigh

Christmas will not come –

little world, such are the consequences.

Māra Zālīte

And in this vision, from such a height, I see you:

the Latvia of the future will be!

You are permitted to bear it on your shoulders,

for you are tough enough;

And if the toughest of all,

those who will endure there – at home,

those who do not cease to believe –

will let you go to their aid,

then the sun that is now setting will rise,

if alive there is

your

and their spirit.

Velta Toma