Greetings and
well-wishes from the Republic of Latvia
May 7, 2003
Sandy
Semans,
Editor, Outer Banks Sentinel
Dear
American Friends,
On behalf of Latvia, its people
and personally, allow me to express my gratitude to
Outer Banks Sentinel and the people of your town for
researching our common history.
The involvement
of Latvian merchant vessels in the coalition against
Nazism, their participation in the U.S. Merchant Marine
and, alongside Americans, their common struggle against
Nazi Germany once again confirms that we shared and
continue to share common values, a common understanding
of liberty and democracy, and a common hatred of
oppressors and invaders.
While undertaking
dangerous missions, forty-five crew members lost their
lives and six of eight formerly Latvian vessels in US
service perished at sea.
We are thankful that you have
sought to preserve the memory of the ship Ciltvaira and
its crew by naming one of the streets of Nags Head after
this vessel. We equally highly appreciate the memorial
service being organized by Outer Banks Sentinel on 8
May, when, in remembrance of the seamen and ships that
perished during the war, a wreath will be placed on the
water at the beach at the end of Ciltvaira
Street.
Relations between Latvia and the United
States have been and, I am convinced, will always remain
friendly and close. We highly appreciate the support
given by the United States even while Latvia was under
foreign occupation, when US governments refused to
recognise Latvia's forceful annexation by the Soviet
Union.
It gives me great pleasure to see during
my current visit to the United States that another page
is being added to the history of good relations between
our two countries. A page which recalls our shared
historical experience, and provides yet another stimulus
for building stronger ties of friendship between our two
countries.
Sincerely yours,
Sandra
Kalniete
Minister of Foreign
Affairs
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