In a ceremony that was both poignant and joyous, residents of Uniting AgeWell’s Latvian Community turned out in force to celebrate Latvian Independence Day today.

There were smiles and quite a few misty eyes as residents from the Wantirna South aged care community and retirement village watched Lifestyle Assistants Daila Piksons and Ingrida Biezaite, both in traditional costumes, raise first the Australian flag followed by the Latvian flag. As the Latvian flag was unfurled the gathering sang the Latvian hymn Dievs, svētī Latviju which is the national anthem.

A beautiful poem written in Latvian was read by 99-year-old Betija Plume, who was among the 20,000 Latvians who relocated to Australia in the late 1940s and early 1950s after being forced to flee their homeland during the Soviet occupation of Latvia during World War II.

The Latvian aged care community and retirement village was founded 40 years ago by the Latvian Friendly Society through the support and generosity of the wider Latvian community. Many of those who fled from Latvia still live there. Earlier this year Uniting AgeWell was proud to welcome the community to its family.

Betija’s poem was about a flag floating in the sunshine, calling for all to come together to celebrate.

“I didn’t write the poem,” explains Betija, “but every year I like to read one at the ceremony if I can.”

She said she was looking forward to a traditional breakfast with champagne.

The chaplain, Dean Helga Jansons, welcomed all to the ceremonyShe recalled how one of the residents, the late 105-year-old Anna Cinkus Svalbe, would read a poem every year at the ceremony. The Latvian church published and sold a booklet of Anna’s poems and artwork.

“She is sadly no longer with us, otherwise she would have been reading one of her poems for sure,” Helga said.

One of those attending was Jänis Dëlins, Honorary Consul of Latvia in Melbourne, who has addressed the ceremony at the site for the last 15 or so years. His parents were among the wave of Latvians relocating to Australia in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Jänis spoke of the pride and love that Latvians bear for their homeland and how the day was a joyous one for Latvians all over the world.

“Whether you are of Latvian heritage or not, we thank you for your attendance, you are welcome,” he said. Janis stressed how the site is welcoming of those from across the world. He paid tribute to the dedication of the staff and the continuity of service which is so important and said he loved the welcoming feel of the site.

Many of the residents have no ties to Latvia, other than their affection for the caring community. Like Australia born Mara Medenieks who donned a traditional Latvian outfit for the occasion. “I’m looking forward to some champagne for breakfast,” she said.

The breakfast certainly lived up to all expectations. The tables were adorned with beautiful tablecloths and Latvian candles. Traditional bacon buns called Piragi; open sandwiches with pickled herring, liverwurst, cottage cheese and radish; sauerkraut wurst and a saffron flavoured fruit cake known as Klingeris were served.

The conversation flowed as the champagne glasses were filled, with some residents opting for a glass of red wine.