Latvia marks 100th anniversary of independence

Thousands of people watched the military parade, which also displayed military equipment.

Later in the evening, people flocked to an embankment in Riga, where President Raimonds Vejonis' gave a national address and watch a magnificent multi-media show "The Life of the Sun". The celebrations culminated when a spectacular fireworks show started.

Addressing the nation, President Vejonis said that the future of Latvia is in the hands of its people and urged everyone to honor and protect democratic values as the basis of the Latvian state.

Attending the centenary celebrations in the Latvian capital were also many foreign guests, including Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, as well as foreign diplomats, officials and dignitaries.