According to the decision of the President of Latvia and Chapter of Orders of 4 April 2023, the highest awards of the state of Latvia – the Order of the Three Stars, Order of Viesturs and Cross of Recognition - have been awarded to 104 individuals. The award ceremony will take place on the 33rd anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, 4 May, at 15.30 at the Riga Castle. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Latvian Television Channel 1.
The highest awards of the Latvian State are given to individuals whose honest work, active citizenship, selflessness, courage, and patriotism strengthen Latvia as a democratic, law-abiding, and national state.
The highest recognition of the State is awarded to outstanding personalities in various fields from all over Latvia, whose work for the benefit of the country is of particular importance. These include medical professionals who have been selflessly and for a long time taking care of public health, cultural workers, soldiers of the National Armed Forces, Border Guard and State Police officers who protect the security of our country and guard its borders. There are also representatives of the judicial system, scientists, teachers, representatives of the information technology industry, entrepreneurs, farmers, municipal employees, members of the national resistance movement, custodians of historical memory and cultural heritage, public figures, including people who care for the protection and welfare of animals.
The Order of the Three Stars, the highest Latvian state decoration, is awarded to organisers of civic initiatives who have selflessly provided assistance to Ukraine, its soldiers and civilians, as well as to Ukrainian refugees in Latvia.
Sarmīte Ēlerte, Chair of the Chapter of Orders, says: On the 33rd anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, we will honour people whose selfless, honest, courageous work and outstanding public achievements serve our people and country. The Chapter of Orders has also made a decision to reward those who, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have demonstrated significant civic courage, have taken active, selfless action, and united us in support of Ukraine's freedom struggle, thereby strengthening the patriotism of the Latvian people.