President praises U.S. Latvian community for preserving Latvian language and culture

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga participated today in a meeting devoted to the 50th anniversary of the American Latvian Association (ALA) and expressed praise for the contribution of the Latvian community in preserving the Latvian language and culture during the period of Latvia's Soviet occupation. The president praised the community's support and assistance in the development of Latvia also during the ten years of independence. The president expressed understanding over the hard work during these years in keeping national identity alive, reminding the U.S. of the occupation regime in Latvia, and now assisting in Latvia's national development. The president presented Three Star Orders to Janis Kukainis, Vilmars Kukainis, Karlis Zvejnieks, Liga Ruperte and Arnolds Sildegs. The president called on the representatives of the Latvian community to continue active efforts in the move to join NATO in a crucial time in Latvia's future development.