On 4 May, marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia, a formal ceremony was held at the Riga Castle to present Latvia’s highest state honours – the Order of the Three Stars, the Order of Viesturs, and the Cross of Recognition.
The highest national honours were awarded to individuals from a wide range of fields, whose conscientious professional work and civic contributions are of particular significance on a national scale. These are people whose dedication, active civic engagement, courage, and selflessness strengthen our Latvia. These are individuals whose talent and creative achievements have earned broad international recognition and have made a significant contribution to shaping Latvia’s image in the world.
Members of the public awarded the Order of the Three Stars
The Order of the Three Stars is awarded for exceptional merit in service to the Fatherland, including contributions to the state, local government, public, cultural, educational, scientific, sports, or economic activities. Merit may be defined as either a singular outstanding achievement, sustained exemplary and successful work, or particularly significant contributions during the restoration of Latvia’s independence or in strengthening the state thereafter.
Commanders of the Order of the Three Stars:
Gints Zilbalodis, director, scriptwriter, and composer of the feature-length Latvian animated film "Flow"
For outstanding creative work and a significant contribution to Latvian culture and the promotion of Latvia’s international image.
Rihards Zaļupe, composer, co-author of the music for the feature-length Latvian animated film "Flow"
For outstanding creative work and a significant contribution to Latvian culture and the promotion of Latvia’s international image.
Christian Heldt, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Latvia
For his significant contribution to strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Latvia and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Officers of the Order of the Three Stars:
Viktors Kalniņš, writer, poet, and translator
For lifetime contribution to Latvian culture and Latvian literature.
Dr. med. Valda Staņēviča, Professor at the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, paediatric rheumatologist at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital
For lifetime contribution to the development of medical education and science, particularly in the field of paediatric rheumatology in Latvia, and in patient care.
Imants Tillers, artist
For his outstanding contribution to the development of contemporary art and to the promotion of Latvia’s name worldwide.
Cavaliers of the Order of the Three Stars:
Ivars Kronenbergs, Head of the System Operations Department at AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls"
For his long-standing significant contribution to the development of Latvia’s electricity sector and strengthening energy independence.
Dr. arch. Agrita Tipāne, director of the Riga Art Nouveau Centre Museum, Associate Professor at Riga Technical University
For merits in culture, significant contribution to architectural education, and her efforts in preserving and promoting Latvia’s architectural heritage.
The Medal of Honour Class I of the Order of the Three Stars bestowed upon:
Taunis Grūbe, Head of the Scenery Assembly Department at “Latvian National Opera and Ballet”
For many years of devoted service in stage construction at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.
Members of the public awarded the Order of Viesturs
The Order of Viesturs is awarded for special military merits, as well as for special merits in the national resistance movement and in the defending of the independence of the state, in maintaining and strengthening national security and public order, in guarding the state border, developing the national armed forces and fostering civic awareness, preparing citizens for service to their country and unwavering defence of their nation and homeland.
Commander of the Great Cross of the Order of Viesturs:
Darius Jauniškis, Director of the State Security Department of the Republic of Lithuania
For his significant personal contribution to fostering cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania in the field of security and to strengthening Latvia's national security.
Commanders of the Order of Viesturs:
Colonel Oskars Kudlis, Commander of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces of the National Armed Forces
For selfless and exemplary service, his merits in the development of the National Armed Forces and the strengthening the defence of Latvia.
Colonel Guntars Strazdītis, Head of the Operational Planning Department, Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces
For selfless and exemplary service and significant contribution to enhancing the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces.
Officers of the Order of Viesturs:
Lieutenant Colonel Intars Kušners, Director of Colonel Oskars Kalpaks Vocational Secondary School
For his significant contribution to the development of professional military education and patriotic upbringing of school youth.
Lieutenant Colonel Jānis Parādnieks, Head of the Response Bureau, Public Order Police Department, Riga Regional Administration, State Police
For selfless service and merits in maintaining and strengthening internal security in the Republic of Latvia.
Lieutenant Colonel Māris Pukinskis, Deputy Head of the Daugavpils Administration of the State Border Guard (Chief of the Criminal Investigation Division)
For special merits in guarding the state border of Latvia, significant contribution to the strengthening border security, and the development of the State Border Guard.
The Medal of Honour Class I of the Order of Viesturs bestowed upon:
Staff Sergeant Uldis Brants, Head of the Veterans’ Association of the 54th Combat Support Battalion, 2nd Vidzeme Brigade, National Guard of the Republic of Latvia
For long-standing selfless contribution to the establishment and strengthening of the National Armed Forces and the National Guard.
The Medal of Honour Class II of the Order of Viesturs bestowed upon:
Sergeant Aleksejs Ameļčenkovs, firefighter-rescuer (driver) at Rēzekne Division of the Latgale Regional Administration, State Fire and Rescue Service
For long-standing exemplary service and significant contribution to strengthening the internal security of the Latvian state and the development of the State Fire and Rescue Service.
Staff Sergeant Andris Bērziņš, qualified specialist of the National Armed Forces
For selfless and exemplary service and significant contribution to strengthening the National Armed Forces.
Staff Sergeant Guntars Dukurs, Chief Specialist of the Command and Headquarters Division of the 2nd Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Mechanised Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces of the National Armed Forces
For selfless and exemplary service and significant contribution to strengthening the National Armed Forces.
Members of the public awarded the Cross of Recognition
The Cross of Recognition is an award for faithful service to the Fatherland and outstanding merits in national and public service, culture, science, sports, and education. Merit is defined as a faithful and diligent service in the state or local government, exemplary and honest fulfilment of duties, and any form of civic contribution that fosters national spirit, civic engagement, and the development of the country’s economic potential.
Commanders of the Cross of Recognition:
Māris Rēvalds, Chairman of the Board, SIA “Veselības centrs 4”, Honorary Doctor of Rīga Stradiņš University
For long-standing significant contribution to the development of the healthcare system and medical education in Latvia.
Keizo Ueno, Chief Executive Officer of “Riga Wood Japan”
For significant contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Latvia and Japan and promoting Latvia in Japan.
Inga Zemdega-Grāpe, entrepreneur, Chairwoman of the Board of “Nemo” Ltd.
For many years of selfless work and contribution to the promotion of entrepreneurship and the development of Latvia’s regions.
Officers of the Cross of Recognition:
Kaspars Bārbals, musician, leader of the drum and bagpipe music group “Auļi”
For long-standing creative contribution to the popularisation of Latvian traditional music and culture and for representing Latvia on the international stage.
Aivars Bunķis, conductor, Director of Krimulda Music and Art School, leader of the Krimulda and Limbaži Youth Symphony Orchestra
For selfless lifelong contribution to education and culture and outstanding achievements in nurturing young musicians.
Jānis Čečiņš, Latvian cultural and community leader, Chairman of the Board of the Sydney Latvian Organisations' Association and the Sydney Latvian Society
For lifelong selfless contribution to the preservation and nurturing of Latvian identity and strengthening the ties between the Australian Latvian diaspora and Latvia.
Anita Gleizde, entrepreneur, member of the Board of “Baltic Restaurants Latvia” Ltd.
For significant civic initiatives, selfless work, and notable contribution in providing assistance to Ukraine, its soldiers, and civilians.
Professor Dr.sc.soc. Anda Laķe, Vice-Rector for Research at Latvian Academy of Culture,
Head of the Institute of Culture and Arts
For her achievements in higher education, culture, and scientific research, and significant contribution to the study and promotion of Latvia’s intangible cultural heritage.
Cavaliers of the Cross of Recognition:
Tekla Bekeša, Head of the Preiļi Museum of History and Applied Arts
For selfless lifelong contribution to cultural and community work, preservation and transmission of Latvia’s cultural and historical heritage to future generations.
Agita Hauka, public figure, Chairwoman of the Board of the Latvian Farmers’ Federation
For many years of selfless public work in non-governmental organisations and contribution to the strengthening of civil society.
Miranda Šmite, specialist in Emergency Medical Brigade Support, Cēsis Brigade Support Centre, Emergency Medical Service
For lifelong selfless service in medicine and contribution to the strengthening of the Emergency Medical Service.
Dr Uldis Vasiļevskis, long-serving family physician
For many years of selfless work in medicine and contribution to the healthcare of the population.
The Medal of Honour Class I of the Cross of Recognition bestowed upon:
Alvis Balodis, Head of the Children’s Science Centre “Tehnoannas Pagrabi”, educator at Riga Technical Creativity Centre “Annas 2”
For long-standing creative and multifaceted contribution to the development of extracurricular education in Latvia.
Baiba Mackiala, history and social studies teacher at Liepāja State Gymnasium
For her long-standing and significant contribution to pedagogical work, particularly in teaching Latvian history and patriotic education of school youth.
The Medal of Honour Class III of the Cross of Recognition bestowed upon:
Sandra Lārmane, long-serving postmistress
For many years of selfless contribution to postal service and faithful public service in the Vidzeme region.
Any individual is entitled to recommend another person for a state award by submitting a proposal to the Chapter of Orders. There is no set deadline for the submission of proposals. The Chapter of Orders is responsible for reviewing all nominations for state honours that are submitted.
