Latvian soldiers march during a rehearsal for the Latvian

Latvian soldiers march during a rehearsal for the Latvian Day Parade in Riga, Latvia on Nov. 17, 2014. In 1918, national representatives convened in what is now the National Theatre and proclaimed the independence of the Latvian state. November 18 is the Day of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia and is celebrated by a national holiday. U.S. soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are participating in the parade as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which aims to strengthen relationships among allied militaries, contribute to regional stability and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kenneth C. Upsall)