Latvia places great emphasis on education and I have been told that many students come into Rīga from throughout the country to come here to go to school. Some of you get here through Rīgas heavy traffic or come by train or bus from outside the city. You’re making a commitment to get your education. Many of you, I understand, hold down full-time jobs while completing your studies. As my grandfather used to say, “Your education is something no one can ever take away.”

Young people are the future of any country and with the drive, energy and commitment that I see in Latvian students, Latvia has the possibility of a very bright future. However, ensuring that future is not always easy. It takes commitment and dedication—the same kind of effort you bring to your studies, but on a larger scale. Today, I want to discuss with you some challenges for the future and encourage you to consider ways you could be helpful in addressing them. And I assure this is neither a lecture nor will there be a test.

I have been in this room—this great hall of the Latvian university—two other times in the last year. It was here that President George W. Bush and Justice Samuel Alito of our U.S. Supreme Court came to celebrate the strong relations between our two countries. We’re coming up on the one-year anniversary of the Rīga NATO summit. As part of that, President Bush spoke here in this very same room on Nov. 28 of last year. And this past July, Justice Alito came for our conference on ethics and transparency in the judiciary.

Both of these men praised the strong bonds between the United States and Latvia, bonds that are based on a shared set of values. We often talk about the relationship being based on events, such as:

1. America’s non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of Latvia,
2. Latvian cooperation with the United States in the struggle against terrorism, especially with the contribution of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and
3. Our common membership in NATO.

In recent days, we have seen additional events that highlight the strong relationship between Latvia and the United States. Last week, the Saeima extended the mandate for Latvian troops participating in the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan—NATO’s most important mission—for another year. We welcome this commitment to the alliance. And the prime minister’s office has announced his plans to travel to the United States early next month. We look forward to that visit and I am confident that the prime minister will be warmly welcomed in Washington. The friendship and close ties between our two countries will endure. As NATO members the United States will remain committed to Latvia’s independence and security. That will not change. What underlies these partnerships is a commitment to a collection of the values that both countries—and the people of Latvia and the United States—hold precious and dear. And that is our shared commitment to freedom, to democracy, to the rights of the individual, and to basic standards of fairness.

Standing in this hall last November, President Bush recalled the difficult course of freedom for Latvia and the courage of citizens throughout the Baltics who joined hands on that August day in 1989 to form the Baltic Way and show their solidarity against Soviet repression.

It was one of a series of events within the larger “Singing Revolution” in which so many Latvians stood up and demanded the freedom that is their natural right.

In that same speech, President bush held up Latvia as a model for other post-Soviet states struggling to make the transition to freedom and democracy. And he was right to do so. Over 16 years since the restoration of independence, Latvia has undergone an amazing transformation.

A market economy and free enterprise have replaced state command and control. Free and fair elections have been held to elect members of saeima and to resolve essential questions in referendums. New institutions have been developed to ensure the protections of the rights of the individual.

As a result of this difficult work, Latvia took its rightful place as a part of Europe and the Trans-atlantic community, joining the European Union and NATO in 2004. Students here today benefit from this with opportunities of work, study and travel available to them that even five years ago seemed hard to imagine.

Now, just three years after joining the EU and NATO, Latvia finds itself at an important juncture in its history. What will be its future path? Will it hold to our shared values? Will Latvia continue down the path of reform and strengthen the rule of law, increase transparency and further develop itself as a free and democratic state?

Or will Latvia, safe in the European Union and NATO, decide that it is has done the hard work and let the state become the playground of a few individuals where they go to line their own pockets and those of their friends?

To put it a different way—will Latvia continue the hard work of building the institutions and judicial system that are needed to ensure a democratic and prosperous future for the people of Latvia, or will Latvia slide back and begin to resemble those countries that have not undertaken extensive reforms?

The United states and the other NATO and EU partners can help you if you remain committed to the values that lie at the heart of these two organizations. But the choice is going to have to be made by Latvians.

Previous generations of Latvians paid a steep price to keep alive the dream of Latvian independence. The current generation of Latvians, especially you the students, must decide whether an independent Latvia will be worthy of its founders sacrifices.

We have seen a pattern of events that appear to be inconsistent with our shared values, for example, attempts to pack the courts with judges who “will know what to do,” efforts to manipulate the laws governing the security services to allow greater avenues for political interference in their operations, and public campaigns to discredit the institutions of justice and the rule of law in the country.

As partners, these strong values form the basis for the close relations between our two countries, governments and peoples.

Keeping the values strong keeps the relationship strong. I have tremendous respect for so many Latvians that I have met and have particulatrly enjoyed your culture, history and tradition. I have formed solid relationships based on trust. We will always honor those friendships. These are hardworking, committed individuals who want to see Latvia succeed and prosper. But, I have to say, I have also seen them beaten down by having to take instructions from unelected officials in the clouds or down by the sea.

The development of the rule of law in Latvia is also an important issue for the global business and investment community. As the U.S. ambassador to Latvia I have actively encouraged american companies to consider Latvia as a place to do business. I point to the talented and educated workforce and the pro-business climate here. I talk about the eager and talented students I meet all around this country as evidence of Latvia’s future potential.

But investors want to know that their money is safe and their investment protected. They need to know that they will be able to do business without being asked to pay bribes or “protection money,” and that their bids for contracts will be considered on the merits.

And they need to be sure that if a dispute arises, they can count on getting a fair hearing in court to resolve that issue. Potential investors are attracted to countries which strictly adhere to the rule of law.

I have also often been asked by Latvians what the United States can do to help solve these problems in Latvia. The answer is that the United States can’t and won’t fix these problems. While I am happy to set out some of the many ways we have worked together to strengthen rule of law and transparency, the United States can offer help only as a friend. The essential questions about which path Latvia will take must be decided by and for the Latvian people.

The United States of America has stood by Latvia as a friend and offered help in strengthening the rule of law. In my time as ambassador, we have had a number of projects to address key issues in Latvia and to share our common experiences in fostering the rule of law.

We have exchanged best practices on the operations of the Port of Rīga and provided help for studies of security at the other two major ports. We have provided training to judges, police and members of the KNAB (Korupcijas novēršanas un apkarošanas birojs, the state-run Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau) in combating organized crime, prosecuting public corruption, and combating terrorist financing.

We have worked closely and effectively with government, regulators, and the banking sector to address serious concerns that Latvian banks could be exploited for criminal purposes. And just, this past july, we met for two days in this room with a member of our Supreme Court and a group of highly distinguished law professors to discuss issues of ethics and transparency in the judiciary.

I want to stress something that too often some in the media overlook. All of these were cooperative efforts where we worked together to advance our common agenda on the basis of our shared values. And much of what the United States has offered to Latvia has been based on the often difficult experiences that we have had.

Now, please know, and you are hearing this from me, Americans are not perfect in these areas and we know that. Scandal and corruption are too often a part of our political life. But no government made up of people will ever be perfect.

What we have learned in the United States is that to address these challenges effectively you need a free and active press, strong and independent law enforcement agencies, a credible judiciary free from interference, a legislature able to conduct effective oversight but, most importantly, informed, engaged and active citizens. All of these institutions and groups are vital to ensure that a vibrant and healthy democracy can flourish and grow. However, the last of these, active and engaged citizens, is the most critical, as it is the people who must be ever vigilant to the actions of their elected officials so that they can be ready, as President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, to ring the fire bell in the night when they see a threat to their democracy.

President Bush in his second inaugural address on january 20, 2005, said that, “it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.” That is why we have been such active partners here. Latvians know what it is like to live in tyranny and they stood up to it and demanded freedom.

The President also noted the essential truth of democracy: that it must be chosen by the people. “Freedom,” he said, “by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities.”

Chosen and defended by citizens. That is an important reminder. As I said, too often I am asked by Latvians what the United States will do to solve the problems they perceive in Latvia. But we can only act where needed to protect our interests. In the end, the people of Latvia must stand up for what they believe and for the values and principles they hold so dear.

Our United States Constitution begins with the simple words, “We the people of the United States.” The constitution of Latvia says that “the sovereign power of the state of Latvia belongs to the people of Latvia.” My friends, across an ocean and written over 130 years apart, our constitutions rely on the same basic principle that ultimate power resides with the people, with government acting on their behalf.

But democracy is a two-way street. It is a system of government that provides many rights and freedoms to the people, but it also requires the active involvement of the people. Outside of the National Archives in Washington, D.C., the building that houses the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, is a statue reminding us of this fact: “Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”

This is a concept Latvians know well. Eighteen years ago in the Baltic Way and 16 years ago at the barricades, Latvian people stood up in daring fashion to demand their freedom and the rights to which they are entitled.

They did that in the face of a global superpower that had shown time and time again its willingness to crush, with violence if necessary, such attempts to stand up for freedom. It is not ever an exaggeration to say that Latvians risked their lives in defense of freedom and, in doing so, changed the course of history.

There is no question that the threat to freedom in Latvia today is much different than in Soviet times. Latvians should still feel empowered to stand up for what they hold dear.

Maybe, Latvians are satisfied by membership in the EU and NATO. Maybe these problems don’t seem that serious. Maybe you think this will not affect your economic well-being. That is only for Latvia to decide.

But do not expect that anybody can or will care more about the situation in Latvia than the people of Latvia themselves. The United States will, as President Bush said, stand by those who stand up for freedom. But we will not stand up in their place when they have the freedom to do so. That is something you must do for yourselves. Please know, I say these things because we care and we believe in the friendship and good relations between the United States and Latvia and we all know that sometimes friends must speak to each other honestly and openly. I anticipate that much of what I said here today will generate discussion and some controversy. But it is in times of difficulty that friendships are most needed.

America stands for democracy and values. We speak out and we meet with both political elements and civil society in a country. We express ourselves when we have problems and when we have concerns. And other countries talk about American politics. This is a global world; everybody talks about everybody else.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has challenged all of us who serve as American ambassadors not to simply watch events in the countries where we serve but to help shape them for the advancement of freedom. We call this transformational diplomacy. Secretary Rice defined transformational diplomacy as “working with our many partners around the world, to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system.” She added that “we seek to use America’s diplomatic power to help foreign citizens better their own lives and to build their own nations and to transform their own futures.”

To the students and young people who came here today, paldies. And to the others in the audience, thank you for being here as well. I hope I have given you some things to think about and that all of you will find some way to contribute to our partnership of shared values, to build your own nation and to transform your own futures. The ties between Latvia and the United States will grow stronger with your active involvement. It is needed.

My alma mater is Franklin College in Franklin, Ind. It is thousands of miles away, but one of its traditions is especially fitting today. At the end of the graduation ceremonies the graduating seniors walk through an arch and above that arch is the motto of our college, “Were opportunity lies, there then lies responsibilities.” The same holds true for any democracy. As you move out to take your place in Latvia’s future, remember the responsibilities that come with the opportunities you have. In his Gettysburg Address of 1863, our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, explained the challenge of our Civil War and the threat to the “experiment in democracy” that we created in 1776. He ended on a hopeful note, saying that “the government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth.” This statement sums up the shared values that are at the heart of our relationship.

I want to end on that same message. Government exists to serve the people—all the people, not just a select few—but people, especially you young people, have an exciting future. Be involved, take an active role in your government and carry on the work of a free and democratic nation.

Thank you, paldies, visu labu.

(Editor’s note: The speech has been edited for style and to clarify acronyms.)

To read the Australian Latvian press somedays, it would seem that the local Latvian jaunieši are a pretty hopeless lot—rarely turning up to events, often innapropriately dressed, and totally lacking any notions of Latvian grammar or punctuation. Yet if we really are so disinterested in the whole matter of being Latvian, why do we score such frequent mentions?

It is often said that jaunieši (youths) these days are not active enough in Latvian society, and yet I recently had a conversation with someone from the so-called “middle generation” who believes the current generation of jaunieši is in fact more active than jaunieši were when she was our age. I wasn’t quite ready to believe her at first. In some old newspaper clippings from the seventies and eighties I saw pictures of youths marching in rallies to protest the Soviet occupation of Latvia and could not help feeling that the current level of political awareness and activism among my friends came nowhere near previous generations. While this may yet be true, perhaps with Latvia free for so long now the current generation of jaunieši simply engages with the homeland on a different level.

In the past five or so years in Australia there seems to have been a sort of resurgence of youth activity. In 2003 a group of jaunieši from Adelaide hosted the first Jaunatnes dienas (Youth Days) in many years. This festival culminated with the reestablishment of the Latvian Youth Association of Australia (Latviešu Jaunatnes apvienība Austrālijā, or LJAA), which has in turn led to more frequent events being organised by jaunieši, for jaunieši, around Australia. Similarly, in the last five years a number of new youth musical ensembles of various styles have been established. Sydney Latvian youth choir Jaunais vējš celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, alongside the Adelaide folk music ensemble Bārdas tiesa.

Who can say what the reasons are for this resurgence? I would hazard a guess that it is in no small way due to the influence of many within the middle and older generations, such active people as Viktorija Mačēns and Aldis Sils who have not only the energy to organise concerts and run ensembles, but have managed to exert a positive and exciting influence on the jaunieši involved in the process. Similarly, initiatives by organisations such as the Latvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand to help involve talented and inspiring individuals from Latvia such as Arturs Uškāns of Laimas muzykanti, and musical groups such as Iļģi, Ceiruleiši and Vilkači, in events such as Kultūras dienas, the summer high school and 3×3 have helped spark a new enthusiasm for and interest in various aspects of Latvian culture. These efforts also have established friendships and new points of contact with Latvia outside of the outdated textbook images often encountered in Latvian Saturday schools.

So now we find ourselves in the curious situation of a newly active generation of Latvian youth looking for opportunities to make their mark on society and shape its future direction, cornered by an older generation who wants us to be more involved while simultaneously being resistant to change. The number of times I have heard jaunieši deploring that nothing they do ever seems good enough! In one instance a group of girls went to perform at a Latvian function and were reprimanded for wearing short skirts. At the next concert they made an effort to dress more conservatively and were told it was unladylike to wear pants. In another instance two violinists were told they should have performed in folk costumes. Although they find the stiff collars, loose sleeves and large brooches of tautas tērpi uncomfortable for playing the violin, they felt unable to explain this fact for fear of the responses they would receive. In both cases, the performers’ attire received stern criticism in the reviews while the musical performances went completely unmentioned.

Perhaps the people who make such comments are unaware how much they are taken to heart. Sometimes it is possible to take these remarks lightly. The youth choir Jaunais vējš once made a point of performing in thongs (flip-flops) after a member was told off for wearing thongs on stage, despite the fact that her long pants made them barely visible to the audience. In the majority of cases, however, the comments can be disheartening, even to the point where they discourage people from becoming involved.

On my more pessimistic days I wonder why any of us bother. The older generation is rarely satisfied and the younger generation seems increasingly apathetic. Most of the time, however, I can look around and see all the wonderful things being achieved. Many of my friends have recently had extended stays in Latvia, I have noticed them speaking Latvian amongst themselves more frequently and their language in general improving. Others of my friends are taking on leadership roles within Australian Latvian society, from running folk dancing and musical ensembles to positions within larger organisations such as Daugavas Vanagi and the Latvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand. Then there are the various concerts and festivals, from the upcoming Jaunatnes dienas in Melbourne and Saules svētki in Brisbane, to the cultural workshops run by LJAA last year and the Jāņi celebration hosted by folk dancing ensemble Jautrais pāris in Sydney this year—which was called the best ever by some who attended.

And so we return to the perception that jaunieši are not involved enough in Latvian society. Perhaps it is merely a matter of reevaluating the ways in which we are involved.

Maybe there were not many youths in the audience of a particular concert, but look around: there’s one at a committee meeting, two on stage, a few more are currently planning the next youth concert, another is visiting her vecmāmiņa and learning to make pīrāgi while others have just celebrated Jāņi with friends and family in Latvia. I don’t think the situation is so bad after all.

Mīļie tautieši, ir pienācis brīdis man teikt jums ar Dievu kā Latvijas Valsts prezidentei, un tajā pašā laikā teikt jums uzredzēšanos kā Vairai Vīķei-Freibergai, kā Vairai, kā VVF jeb kā nu katrs mani bija ieradis saukt. Es būšu jūsu rīcībā visu sava mūža atlikušo laiku, un es ļoti ceru, ka ar daudziem no jums mūsu ceļi krustosies, un vēl daudz labu un interesantu darbu mēs padarīsim kopā.

Pēdējos astoņus gadus mēs esam nostaigājuši kopā un iesoļojuši vēsturē tādā īpašā ziņā, un tā ir unikāla. Prezidents ir tikai viens pats valstī, un viens pats savā vēstures periodā. Es jūtos visiem ļoti pateicīga par to sirsnību, ar kuru mana ievēlēšana 1999.gada 17.jūnijā tika sagaidīta un uzņemta no tik daudzu tautiešu puses. Es dzirdēju dažādus stāstus, kā un kurā vietā tas noticis, vai nu sēžot pilsētā pie televizora vai kaut kur laukos pie ugunskura. Tās gaviles un tas prieks, kas tajā brīdī valdīja pār lielu Latvijas daļu, man deva iedvesmu, man deva spēku, man deva pārliecību, ka visi kopā ar šo tēvzemes mīlestību, ar šīm gaidām par tās labklājību, ar šo vēlēšanos, lai tai klātos labāk, ar šādu garīgo spēku mēs daudz ko varēsim paveikt.

Gadiem ejot, dažam šķiet, ka esam progresējuši brīnišķīgi. Es sevi iekaitu to starpā. Ne visiem vienmēr iet vienādi viegli, dažam iet grūti un pat grūtāk nekā agrāk, diemžēl, arī tā ir neatņemama daļa no dzīves, bet, ja raugāmies uz valsti kopumā, tad mums pašiem ir jāatzīst, un to apliecina daudzi no citām zemēm, ka tas progress, kas notiek, tas uzplaukums, tās pārmaiņas ir ļoti straujas, tās ir acīmredzamas, un lielais vairums no tām tiešām iet uz uzlabojumu.

Tās gaidas, kas saistījās ar jaunievelēto prezidenti 1999.gadā, es esmu centusies ar visiem saviem spēkiem, pēc vislabākās sirdsapziņas arī piepildīt. Bet te nu man tūlīt jāsaka, ka ne visas piepildīt ir manos spēkos. Mūsu demokrātija vēl ir relatīvi jauna, un vēl daudziem tautiešiem nav īsti skaidrības par to, kā darbojas šis demokrātiskais process, ko nozīmē visi Satversmē iekļautie panti, kurš kurā brīdī un par ko ir atbildīgs, un pie kurām durvīm ir jāklauvē, ja par kaut ko ir nepieciešamība sūdzēties jeb palīdzību prasīt. Valsts prezidenta kanceleja visus šos gadus ir bijusi tā vieta, kur ļaudis vērsās tad, kad nezināja, pie kā doties. Mēs esam centušies palīdzēt, pārsūtīt lietas pēc piederības tur, kur izpildvarai vai pašvaldībām ir lemtspēja vai līdzekļi, lai konkrēti un praktiski lietas risinātu. Daudzos gadījumos esam centušies iejaukties, palīdzēt visdažādākos veidos, tajā skaitā privātos, un par to man ir gandarījums, ka ir izdevies diezgan lielam skaitam palīdzēt, taču tā ir bijusi manas prezidentūras varbūt vislielākā frustrācija, ka nebija iespējams atbildēt uz visiem aicinājumiem, uz kuriem gribētos reaģēt.

Manā vārdā ir nodibinātas vairākas stipendijas, taču diemžēl nebija iespējams tādus līdzekļus, kā vēlētos nodot, nedz arī valsts kasē kas tāds bija paredzēts, lai varētu visiem tiem izcili talantīgajiem bērniem, kuru skolotāji vai vecāki vērsās pie manis, izkārtot vai sniegt finansiālo atbalstu. Tas ir tikai viens piemērs tam, ka Latvijā Valsts prezidentam nav izpildvaras funkcijas, valsts naudas un kases turētāji ir izpildvara un pašvaldības, un viņi ir tie, kas izlemj visu, kas ar naudu ir saistīts. Prezidentam, diemžēl šajā ziņā iespējas ir ļoti mazas, un tas nav tamdēļ, ka prezidents nesaprastu, cik grūti dažiem iet, tas nav tamdēļ, ka prezidents nezinātu, kā ļaudīm klājas, bet gan tādēļ, ka tīri cilvēcīgi nav to resursu, nav tās atbildības, nav tas iespējas, lai vienmēr un visur varētu reaģēt tieši tajās praktiskajās lietās, kas ir izpildvaras rokās. Taču savā kompetencē esmu centusies darīt visu, lai tajā  skaitā arī praktiskās dzīves lietas sakārtotos tādā veidā un virzienā, ka katram Latvijas iedzīvotājam ar katru gadu būtu labākas iespējas savu dzīvi veidot tādu, kādu mēs demokrātiskā un pārtikušā valstī gribētu redzēt.

Šobrīd mums jau ir ļoti daudz ļaužu, kam dzīvē ir ļoti veicies. Mums proporcionāli jau ir vairāk miljonāru nekā dažai labai pārtikušai valstij, taču mums ir arī pārāk daudz tādu, kas dzīvo zem nabadzības sliekšņa. Es domāju, nākotnes uzdevums mums būs ļoti nopietni gādāt, lai iznīcinātu šo plaisu, lai bagātie varētu uzturēt šo valsti ar visiem tiem resursiem, kā tas ir demokrātijā paredzēts, un lai tie, kas ir trūcīgi, varētu virzīties sabiedrībā ar katru gadu uz augšu, lai mums izveidotos stabila vidusšķira, kas ir viens no labākajiem garantiem stabilai demokrātijai.

Kopš iestājāmies Eiropas Savienībā, mums no tās ir nācis ļoti daudz labuma, bet kā jau es to sen paredzēju, robežu atvēršana uz citām bagātākām zemēm aizvilinās prom daudzus no spējīgiem Latvijas ļaudīm. Latvijai šī viņu prombūtne sāpīgi pietrūkst, bet kā jau to atgādināja Īrijas prezidente savā nesenajā valsts vizītē Latvijā, te ir iespējamība abām pusēm gūt savu labumu. Īrija pašlaik ir bagāta zeme, kas strauji aug un attīstās un kur vajag darba roku, bet tur ir darba devēji gatavi par to ļoti labi maksāt. Bet ne vienmēr tā tāda bija – Īrija ir gājusi cauri ļoti, ļoti grūtiem laikiem. Es esmu pārliecināta, ka arī mēs tiksim saviem grūtiem laikiem pāri, un esmu pilnīgi pārliecināta, ka mums ir visas iespējas to izdarīt daudz ātrāk nekā Īrija, ko mēs tik ļoti apbrīnojam, to savulaik izdarīja.

Mans vēlējums būtu, lai katrs, kurš dzīvo Latvijā, saprastu, ka Latvija būs tāda, kādu mēs katrs to veidosim, ka mūsu tauta ir tik maza, ka katrs viens ir tai vajadzīgs un nepieciešams, katrs viens cilvēks, kas aizbrauc, Latvijai sāpīgi pietrūkst, un mēs visi viņus mīļi gaidām un ceram, ka viņi kādu dienu atnāks atpakaļ bagāti varbūt ar līdzekļiem, ar kapitālu, noteikti bagāti ar pieredzi un ar zināšanām, un tad, es ļoti ceru, liela daļa no viņiem saskatīs iespējas šeit, šajā zemē, kopā mums visiem augt, zelt un attīstīties.

Man bija tā laime sākt savu prezidentūru ar lielas mīlestības un uzticības izpausmēm no manas tautas. Man ir bijusi vēl lielāka laime piedzīvot tagad, savu prezidentūru beidzot, man pilnīgi necerētu, negaidītu, pilnīgi unikālu, latvisku un skaistu atvadu brīdi ar ziediem no savas tautas. Katram vienam, kas vienu pļavas puķīti, kas vienu ziedu no sava dārza vai puķu poda pievienoja šai ziedu jūrai, es gribētu pateikt dziļu paldies.

Es esmu manījusi jūs sev blakām visus šos gadus. Es esmu manījusi Jūsu mīlestību uz savu tautu, Jūsu vēlmi palīdzēt savai valstij kā tādu garīgu vibrāciju, kas man bija visapkārt. Es jūs sajutu sev pie pleca arī tad, kad jūs fiziski nebijāt man blakus. Šī sajūta parādījās atmodas laikā, kad latvieši apzinājās to lielo garīgo spēku, kas attīstās Dziesmu svētkos, kas attīstās kopējos pasākumos, it sevišķi priekos, bet arī protesta gājienos, ja tas nepieciešams. Šī pleca sajūta, šī mīlestība, kas mūs vieno uz savu tautu un zemi, un Latvijas valsti, tā ir Latvijai vislielākais spēks un vislielākais resurss, jo no tās veidojas, manuprāt, kaut kas garīgā plāksnē ļoti līdzīgs tam, kas notiek kodolreakcijās ar atomisko enerģiju. Es tiešām kā zinātniece redzu šeit analoģiju tam garīgam spēkam, kas attīstās lielai ļaužu grupai izvirzot un saskatot sev vienu kopēju mērķi, izjūtot savās sirdīs vienu kopēju vēlēšanos, un it sevišķi atdodot sirdi šim mērķim un dāvājot tam savu mīlestību.

Man viss mūžs ir pagājis mīlestībā uz Latviju un Latvijas tautu, arī visus tos garos gadus, kad tā man bija tikai tāls sapnis ar dažām bērnības atmiņām un ar zināšanām, kas iegūtas visai netieši, caur citu stāstījumiem, vēstures liecībām un grāmatu rakstiem. No pirmās reizes, kad atgriezos Latvijā, es izjutu to, ko ir tikai iespējams izjust ar savējiem, ar saviem ļaudīm. Es esmu bijusi laimīga būt kopā ar jums kā ar savējiem, es esmu pateicīga, ka jūs esat mani kā savējo uzņēmuši savā vidū. Man šķiet, ka mēs labi saderam kopā, man šķiet,  ka mēs vēl daudz ko varam izdarīt kopā.

Es ar prieku raugos nākotnē pēc šī maģiskā datuma 07/07/2007 gan Latvijas kā valsts dzīvē, gan manā personīgā dzīvē, gan arī visu to jauno cilvēku dzīvēs, kas tieši šo dienu ir izvēlējušies, lai slēgtu mūža derību un lai veidotu jaunas latviskas ģimenes. Es novēlu visiem jaunlaulātiem, lai viņiem būtu mīlestība un saticība savā starpā, lai ar katru gadu augtu viņu labklājība, lai viņi audzinātu veselus un gudrus bērnus, kas augs Latvijai, un es aicinu visus mūs domāt, ka šajā skaistajā un maģiskajā datumā mums tagad visiem paveras ļoti skaista un jauna vēstures lapa, jauns periods mūsu dzīvē un mūsu valstī, un tikai no mums ir atkarīgs, kādas lietas un sasniegumus mēs visi kopā varēsim tur ierakstīt.  Es ļoti mīlu jūs visus, es pateicos par jūsu mīlestību, un visiem es jums saku – paldies un uz redzēšanos!