Honor Guard training leaves Freedom Monument and Riga Castle without ceremonial posts

From August 15 through August 26, the ceremonial guard posts at the Freedom Monument and Riga Castle will be empty. The National Armed Forces (NAF) Headquarters Battalion's Honor Guard Company is set to take part in its annual military exercises, according to information provided to Delfi.

The exercises are scheduled to run from August 16 to August 23 at the Mežaine military training area in Skrunda, Kuldīga Municipality. The NAF stated that the entire personnel of the Honor Guard Company, including national defense service soldiers currently serving in the subunit, will be involved in the training.

Because all members of the company will be at the polygon, no guards will be posted at the Freedom Monument or Riga Castle from August 15 through August 26. This means that for nearly two weeks, these landmarks will not have the usual ceremonial guard presence.

The training is an annual event, and this year it is being held in Skrunda. The absence of the guard is a direct result of the full-unit participation in the military exercise. Residents and visitors should expect the change at the two sites during the specified period.