Honourable members of the Chapter of Orders!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Dear viewers of Latvian Television!
But most importantly – our heroes of the day – recipients of our country’s highest awards!
It is a true pleasure to greet you today at the Riga Castle on the Day of the Restoration of Independence of our country!
Thirty-five years ago, the majority of the Supreme Council voted in favour of the restoration of Latvia’s Independence. We had the opportunity to decide and do by ourselves again.
And today, here at the Riga Castle or on television screens, we see people who have done it. We see talent, determination, initiative, courage and selfless, devoted work. And what they have done, and today I say to the recipients of state awards here – what you have done is truly worthy of the highest recognition. Today is a day of celebration – not only because it is the 4th of May, the anniversary of the restoration of Latvia’s independence, but also because, together, we have the honour of presenting the highest state awards - the Order of the Three Stars, the Order of Viestura and the Cross of Recognition – express our heartfelt gratitude. To outstanding professionals and devoted patriots of Latvia, who have reached great heights and served as an inspiration to so many of us. To all of you who have reached very high peaks and have become role models for so many.
Dear recipients of the highest state awards!
You come from a wide range of fields – culture, medicine, business, education, science, and national defence and interior system. Our foreign friends and allies are also among us today.
Some of you are well-known to the wider public, while others carry out their work quietly and are appreciated by fellow citizens who thank you today. Yet each and every one of you embodies Latvia. The Latvia we are proud of, and the Latvia we aspire to build! Thank you all for that! Thank you for inspiring us!
It must be said that the work of the Chapter of Orders is not the easiest. It is a relatively difficult job, because the Chapter has received and read truly empowering and inspiring descriptions of your lives and achievements. And it was easy for us to decide. But there were also those that we will decide on in the future. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to your peers, colleagues, and like-minded individuals who rightly set aside any timidity and nominated you for the highest state honour.
What you have done is extraordinary. Your success has been made possible by the support of your families and friends. And some of them are here, in Riga Castle, next to you, but some are waiting for you at home. Others are waiting at home, celebrating Latvia’s Independence Day. Our gratitude extends to your loved ones – for their support, trust, and patience.
However, we all understand very well that nothing ends with receiving the highest state awards. Nothing begins either, everything simply continues. It is a recognition and an encouragement – to do even more to help our Latvia may grow stronger and brighten the lives of its people. And therefore once again - I am truly very proud to say thank you on behalf of our country, our Latvia!
Today, you will receive the highest state awards and will hear many words of gratitude and appreciation. I wish for you that you also feel appreciated in your everyday life. May there be more gratitude than complaints. And fatigue, if any, always full of satisfaction!
Therefore, today I wish everyone have a beautiful day of celebration and long live Latvia!