(above photo: Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics and Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. Photo by Peteris Alunans) On November 19 at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC the Embassy of Latvia and the Office of the Military Attache hosted a concert and reception in honor of the 90th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. The celebration began with an introduction by Andrejs Pildegovics, Latvia’s Ambassador to the United States, which was followed by remarks by Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. Special guests Catherine Todd Bailey, former US Ambassador to Latvia, and General Robert V. Taylor were both recognized for their contribution to the strengthening of Latvia-US relations. Violinist Vineta Sareika and pianist Inara Zandmane performed a concert of chamber music for the audience of 400 guests. Among them were representatives of the US administration and congressional offices, foreign diplomats and Latvians residing in the U.S.