RIGA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Latvia marked Lacplesis Day on Monday, paying tribute to all its fallen soldiers, local media reported.
The commemorative events of Lacplesis Day began in the morning with a service in the medieval Riga Cathedral and continued with a traditional flower laying ceremony by the Freedom Monument, erected in the center of the Latvian capital in the 1930s to honor all the soldiers fallen for Latvia's freedom.
Laying flowers by the landmark monument in downtown Riga were Latvian President Egils Levits, Parliament Speaker Inara Murniece, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, as well as members of the parliament, cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats, among others. The flower-laying ceremony was watched by several hundred local residents and tourists.
At noon, Latvia's top defense and military officials arrived at the Riga Brethren Cemetery to lay wreaths by the eternal flame and observe a minute of silence in remembrance of the soldiers who gave their lives for Latvia's freedom and independence.
Throughout the day, people came to Riga Castle to place candles in its stone walls, lighting up the riverfront.
The culmination of the Lacplesis Day festivities came in the evening when a military parade was held along with people's procession moving across a bridge over the River Daugava.
Various events and festive processions dedicated to Lacplesis Day were held not only in Riga by also elsewhere across Latvia.
