Stelpe Our Home: War Heroes Remembrance Day (Lāčplēša diena)

Today Latvia celebrates the Remembrance Day of War Heroes (Lāčplēša diena). In Stelpe, people went on a torch parade. One stream came from Nīzere and the other - from the center of Stelpe, flowing together into the school alley and finishing their walk by the newly built fireplace near Stelpe School.

10 Righteous Men Needed For Latvia

We had a short meeting there. An addressing speech was made by teacher and patriotic activities activist Ingus Pavinkšnis. He mentioned that Latvians, having taken back their independent country, may not always know how to rule it. We have had too little time to learn. Yet the Destiny does not offer us any other dates - our freedom is here and now, and each and every person has their responsibility for its growth and strength.

"A corrupt government is not the Nation. It is us who make the Nation," said Ingus Pavinkšnis. He referred to the Bible story about the City of Sodom. God promised to spare the city if there were 10 righteous men to be found. Ingus reminded us to ask ourselves a question if I myself could be one of those 10 men whom God needs to spare our nation.

Mediterranian Men Sing Latvian Patriotic Song

Then we all went upstairs to the school hall where there was a concert. Together with us were volunteer workers Simone Cocco from Sardinia, the Italian island, and Christian Torres Esquitino from Spain. The two young men sang a Latvian song about soldiers taking farewell from their loved ones before going to battle "Two Doves Flew Up High" (Div' dūjiņas gaisā skrēja). I was so surprised and fascinated that I even forgot to snap a video.

Amateur singers group led by Kristine Rulle (with guitar). (Background: Simone Cocco - 3rd from right; Christian Torres Esquitino - 1st from right) See also video below.

Violinist Dace Rozenberga (Tereze's violin teacher) and Līga Karpinska

Guest from neighboring Barbele, the young saxophonist Eduards Lācis and Sintija Kuzma (see also video below)

Video Glimpses

Here you have a few video moments of the Remembrance Day 2010 (Lāčplēša diena 2010) in Stelpe School (Stelpes skola):

A song performed by amateur singers' group led by Kristīne Rulle "I Saw My Brother On Horseback Dressed In Armour" (Es redzēju bāleliņu).