Within the framework of the initiative “Way of Latvian Flag”, the national flag of Latvia and a special book of messages will travel to the Latvian people around the world before the Centenary of the State of Latvia. Latvians in every country on the route will be invited to write a wish to Latvia on the occasion of its centenary. The way of the flag will be affectionate, jointly created gift to Latvia and, at the same time, a story to be handed over to future generations.
On December 15th, 2016, in the Riga Castle the patron of the celebration of Latvia’s Centenary, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis, and young people from the Youth Steering Committee of the Centenary Celebrations of Latvia “Festive Ornament” wrote the first message in the book of messages.
“The national flag speaks to everyone and is understandable for everyone. The colours of the flag have assisted Latvia in fateful historical moments. That is the flag of all Latvian people whatever part of the world we would be in. So let us speak proudly of our land, which consists of all the earnest, kind, and talented people in Latvia, all people, who are willing to love, work for, and strengthen our country. Let us use the possibilities that the era and fate offer to everyone as much as we can to do our job in favour of Latvia and let us be proud of our land,” said Raimonds Vējonis when launching the initiative “Way of Latvian Flag” in the Riga Castle.
„Way of Latvian Flag” is a joint initiative of the young Latvians living in Latvia and abroad. The idea was born during the World Youth Camp „2X2” in Ratnieki in 2015, when the young people came together to discuss and make plans, how to celebrate the Latvia’s Centenary and what should be a common and symbolic gift to Latvia on its birthday.
„The upcoming world trip of the Latvian flag symbolizes Latvian sense of community, faith in statehood of Latvia, mutual support and friendship that gives a special meaning to anything we do. We belong to Latvia not only geographically, our fellowship manifests itself through our hearts, attitude, values, way of living, and especially through our good deeds,” said Minister for Culture Dace Melbārde.
The flag which will travel to the fellow countrymen abroad was woven from fine wool by textile artist Dagnija Kupča in Cēsis. The suitcase containing the flag and the book of messages was designed by the students and professors of the Faculty of Design of the Art Academy of Latvia. The message book was made by leather artists Zanda Cera and Irēna Ikale with participation of calligraphy artist Kristiāna Jansone in the leather workshop „Balva”.
The flag will travel first to Australia at the end of 2016 from the Riga Castle, where Latvian Culture Days and the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum will be held in Melbourne. It is planned that the journey of the flag will end at the end of 2018 in Nova Odessa, Brazil, South America, and then it will return to Latvia.
Steering Committee of the Centenary Celebrations of Latvia “Festive Ornament” implement youth initiative “Way of Latvian Flag” in cooperation with the Office of the Centenary of the State of Latvia of the Ministry of Culture.
General partners in the way of Latvian Flag: Latviesi.com, Pasaules brīvo latviešu apvienība (World Association of Free Latvians), Eiropas latviešu apvienība (Association of Latvians in Europe), Amerikas latviešu jaunatnes apvienība (Association of Latvian Youth in America).
For more information please contact:
Linda Pastare
Latvian Centenary Bureau public relations specialist
67330339, 29374438
Linda.Pastare@km.gov.lv
www.lv100.lv