Women take part in the Independence Day military parade in Riga, Latvia, on Nov. 18, 2019. Latvia marked the Independence Day on Monday with a military parade, festive gatherings at the Freedom Monument in downtown Riga, fireworks display on the riverfront and many other events across Latvia. (Photo by Janis/Xinhua)
RIGA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Latvia marked the Independence Day on Monday with a military parade, festive gatherings at the Freedom Monument in downtown Riga, fireworks display on the riverfront and many other events across Latvia.
In the morning, members of student corporations and other public organizations gathered by the University of Latvia building in central Riga to take part in a procession to Riga Brethren Cemetery to pay tribute to the country's freedom fighters.
On the November 11 Embankment, soldiers of the National Armed Forces, National Guard and foreign troops marched in a military parade. Latvian President Egils Levits, who inspected the parade, spoke of the country's heroes from the past and present and stressed that when united, Latvians are always invincible.
In the evening, Levits delivered a traditional Independence Day speech to the nation.
Latvian lawmakers also held a ceremonial parliament meeting.
