RIGA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A military parade took place in the Latvian capital city Riga on Saturday as the Baltic country marked the 98th Lacplesis Day to remember soldiers fallen for the country's independence in the 20th century battles.
Addressing the traditional Nov. 11 parade at the Freedom Monument in downtown Riga, Latvian President and Supreme Commander of the National Armed Forces Raimonds Vejonis, said thanks to the fearless Latvian troops who fought for their country's freedom that Latvia will be able to celebrate its independence.
The parade, which was joined by some 350 professional soldiers, national guards, border guards, police officers and firemen, was led by Admiral Ingus Vizulis, Commander of the Latvian Naval Forces.
The celebration of this year's Lacplesis Day began in Riga with a church service and a flower-laying ceremony in the Riga Brethren Cemetery attended by top state and military officials, as well as representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.
The parade in the city center is traditionally followed by a torchlight procession and lighting candles at the walls of Riga Castle in the evening.
Lacplesis Day, called after Latvian mythical hero Lacplesis (Bearslayer), is celebrated in honor of the historic events of Nov. 11, 1919 when the young Latvian armed forces, supported by French and British allies, successfully defended the recently proclaimed Republic of Latvia by repelling combined German-Russian units under the command of General Bermondt-Avalov.
