Latvian War Museum Launches Exhibit Honoring U.S.-Latvian Military Partnership

RIGA, Latvia — April 11, 2025 — In a significant celebration of international military cooperation, U.S. and Latvian service members, diplomats, and distinguished guests gathered at the Latvian War Museum to officially launch a new exhibit titled “Message Follows.” This exhibit commemorates the 32 years of partnership between the U.S. and Latvia, showcasing the enduring relationship and shared history between the two nations.

Highlighting a Strong Alliance

The exhibit “Message Follows” serves to highlight both the origin and evolution of U.S.-Latvian military cooperation. It emphasizes the support provided by the U.S. in the development of the Latvian National Armed Forces and celebrates the partnership between the Michigan National Guard and the Latvian National Guard. Attendees viewed video interviews, uniforms, equipment, and personal items from U.S. Army personnel who served alongside Latvian troops during the War in Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Ross Kastner, chief of the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation in Latvia, emphasized the significance of the partnership. “The exhibition ‘Message Follows’ marks our 30-year plus partnership with the Latvian National Armed Forces. It is really a testament to the close partnership that we've had and that we continue to enjoy here with our Latvian allies,” he stated.

A History of Collaboration

The formal partnership between the Latvian defense forces and the Michigan National Guard began in 1993 under the U.S. National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP). This program links U.S. state National Guard units with military organizations in partner nations, fostering mutually beneficial relationships. The Michigan-Latvia partnership was one of the first established under this program, which has since grown to include 105 partnerships with 115 countries.

The SPP has significantly aided the Latvian National Guard through various initiatives, including medical and engineering collaboration, joint deployments to Afghanistan, and the establishment of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller program. The cooperation has also facilitated the certification of Lielvārde Airfield for NATO air operations.

Looking to the Future

Kristine Skrivere, Director of the Latvian War Museum, reflected on both the successes and future of the partnership. “This exhibition not only invites us to reflect on what has been accomplished but also encourages us to look forward to the future,” she noted. The theme of the exhibit highlights the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration.

Since 2016, the United States and Latvia have engaged in the U.S.-Baltic Dialogue to enhance security cooperation and address potential security challenges in the Baltic region. This ongoing partnership includes efforts to improve Latvia’s defense capabilities in areas such as electronic warfare, border security, and maritime awareness, reinforcing Latvia’s commitments to NATO and its allies.

A Commitment to Security

U.S. Ambassador Christopher Robinson reinforced the commitment of the United States to NATO and European security. "The United States is firmly committed to NATO and to European security—keeping Americans safe means keeping NATO strong. That commitment is not abstract—it is real and it is visible right here in Latvia, where our forces train together, operate together, and stand ready together to deter and defend," he said.

Latvian National Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Kaspars Pudans also spoke about the unique language forged through military cooperation, which encompasses shared values and missions. “This exhibition reminds us that passionate partnership also has its own language,” he said. “Our cooperation is needed, framed by decades of trust, joint exercises, training of our soldiers, and personal bonds, making this partnership not only effective but also very deeply meaningful.”

As the partnership between the U.S. and Latvia continues to grow, this exhibit stands as a tribute to the history shared and the future to be forged in unity for security and stability in the region.