On 3 May, Riga Castle welcomed the recipients of highest state honours awarded in 2021. The Order of the Three Stars, Order of Viesturs and Cross of Recognition were presented in a special ceremony.
Published: 03.05.2022.
Order of the Three Stars was presented to 33 members of the public
Order of the Three Stars is presented for special service to homeland or significant contribution to development of public, local, social, cultural, educational, science, sports and economic sector. Such contribution may include individual outstanding achievements or continuous successful and exemplary accomplishments, or special role in restoring Latvia’s independence and strengthening of national statehood.
Commanders of the Order of the Three Stars
Viesturs Kairišs, Artistic Director of Daile Theatre, stage manager
For creative excellence and contribution to development of national theatre and film, as well as shaping public thought
Dr. hist. Daina Bleiere, historian, senior researcher of University of Latvia Institute of History, associate professor at the Riga Stradiņš University
For significant contribution to development of historical research and historical awareness of society
Inese Monika Pormale, stage designer, professor of Art Academy of Latvia
For creative excellence and input in development of national theatre in Latvia
Kristīne Saulīte, member of the board, World Federation of Free Latvians
For continuous efforts to strengthen Latvian diaspora and its bond with Latvia over many years
Dr. med. Eva Strīķe, Head Physician, SJSC Pauls Stradiņš University Hospital, Head of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care at the Cardiovascular Surgery Department, associate professor at the Riga Stradiņš University
For achievements in the field of medicine and significant contribution to development of health care
Jānis Turlajs, Chair of Managing Board, JSC Jāņa sēta, economic geographer, cartographer
For significant contribution to development of cartography, research of Latvian historical lands and cultural space
Officers of the Order of the Three Stars
Sallija Benfelde, former staff member of Latvian Popular Front, journalist
For input in restoring national independence of Latvia and development of journalism
Dr. philol. Dace Bula, senior researcher of University of Latvia Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, former Director of Institute
For significant contribution to excellence in humanities and culture in Latvia
Jānis Cimmermanis, director, script writer and puppet animator, ‘Animation brigade’ studios
For outstanding creative contribution to Latvian culture and stop motion
Ilze Džonsone, board member of animal shelter Ulubele, board member of “dzivniekupolicija.lv”
For selfless service and notable contribution to animal protection and welfare
Andris Gobiņš, President, European Movement – Latvia
For selfless service and notable contribution to development of civil society
Gunta Grikmane, architect, project manager, Sarma & Norde Architects
For promoting quality in architecture and raising awareness in Latvia
Dr. paed. Tālis Gžibovskis, jazz musician and musical teacher
For lifelong contribution to music and professional training of young musicians
Ieva Jurjāne, stage designer and costume designer, painter
For creative excellence and input in development of national theatre and film
Sandra Kļaviņa, actress, Jaunais Rīgas teātris
For achievements in culture and outstanding creative contribution to development of national theatre
Iluta Lāce, founder and head of MARTA centre
For notable service and contribution to advocacy of human rights and gender equality
Elga Melne, researcher, Latvian folklore collection, University of Latvia Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art
For lifelong service and contribution to culture and folklore studies
Dr. hist. Ilmārs Mežs, demographics expert, Head of International Migration Organisation Riga Office
For notable contribution to demographics policy and raising of public awareness
Irēna Nelsone, professor, Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music
For contribution to culture and significant role in development of musical education
Gundega Palma, director, Jaunais Rīgas teātris
For contribution to culture and development of national theatre
Jānis Pudāns, activist, took part in Barricade protests of 1991
For enormous input in restoring national independence of Latvia and significant civic activism
Dr. med. Gunta Purkalne, oncologist and chemotherapist, SJSC Pauls Stradiņš University Hospital, professor at the Riga Stradiņš University
For contribution to development of medicine and significant role in promotion of cancer research and treatment
Māris Putniņš, script writer, composer, artist and producer, “Animation brigade” studios
For enormous input in development of national culture and stop motion animation
Dr. habil. philol. Beatrise Reidzāne, researcher, national folksong semantics, University of Latvia Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art
For lifelong contribution to Latvian culture and linguistics
Dr. med. Armands Sīviņš, surgeon, Head of Surgical Oncology Department, Latvian Oncology Centre in-patient care, JSC “Riga Eastern University Hospital”
For contribution to development of medicine and significant role in promotion of cancer research and treatment
Dr. sc. ing. Toms Torims, professor, Riga Technical University, scientific associate, European Organisation for Nuclear Research
For significant contribution to development of science in Latvia
Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, stage director
For creative excellence and contribution to development of national theatre
Dr. philol. h. c. Mārīte Vīksna, researcher, Head of Archives, Latvian folklore collection, University of Latvia Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art
For lifelong service and contribution to culture and folklore studies
Kristīne Želve, film director and writer
For contribution to culture and outstanding achievements in studying and enriching national cultural heritage
Order of the Three Stars Class V
Aija Kukule, singer, conductor and musical teacher
For contribution to culture and significant role in teaching music
Adrians Kukuvass, singer, composer and musical teacher
For contribution to culture and significant input in promoting informal education
Mudīte Paegle, long-standing journalist of Latvian Radio, Director of Sūrābele, the umbrella organisation for children with chronic conditions
For selfless service to community and contribution to development of journalism
Dita Raiska, nurse, President of Latvian Nursing Association
For significant input in development of nursing and better public health
Order of Viesturs was presented to 14 members of the public
Order of Viesturs is awarded for special military achievements and notable contribution to national resistance and defending of national independence, national security, for maintaining and boosting of public order, national border protection, development of national armed forces, and patriotic education of citizens towards serving homeland and Latvian State, as well as defending of the Latvian land and state.
Commanders of the Order of Viesturs:
Jānis Grīnbergs, colonel, Head of Operational Command, State Fire and Rescue Service
For significant contribution to stronger internal security of Latvia and development of State Fire and Rescue Service
Oļegs Jemašovs, colonel, Head of the State Border Guard Daugavpils Section
For significant contribution to safer national borders of Latvia and development of border force
Jānis Laimiņš, colonel, Head of Operational Command, State Border Guard
For significant contribution to safer national borders of Latvia and development of border force
Ivars Nakurts, colonel, Head of Civil Defence, State Fire and Rescue Service
For significant contribution to higher internal security of Latvia and development of State Fire and Rescue Service
Česlavs Šmuksts, colonel, Commander, Regional Brigade Latgale, State Fire and Rescue Service
For significant contribution to higher internal security of Latvia and development of State Fire and Rescue Service
Officers of the Order of Viesturs
Raimonds Kublickis, lieutenant colonel, Commander of Border and Migration Control, Ludza Section, State Border Guard
For significant contribution to safer national borders of Latvia and development of border force
Brigita Lasenberga, lieutenant colonel, Deputy Head of Criminal Intelligence Unit, Central Criminal Police Department, State Police
For significant contribution to development of national security and State Police of Latvia
Gunārs Ozoliņš, lieutenant colonel, Head of Investigation Unit, Military Police, National Armed Forces
For professionalism, selfless service and contribution to development and growth of National Armed Forces
Andrejs Šilaks, lieutenant colonel, Head of Operational Command, Public Order Unit, Riga Region, State Police
For significant contribution to development of national security and State Police of Latvia
Kaspars Zāģeris, lieutenant colonel, former Head of Fire and Rescue Operations, Operational Command, State Fire and Rescue Service
For significant contribution to higher internal security of Latvia and development of State Fire and Rescue Service
Order of Viesturs Class V
Edgars Līcītis, captain, Commander, Infantry Regiment 2, Infantry Battalion 25, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard
For professionalism, selfless service and contribution to development of National Armed Forces and National Guard, military and patriotic education
Gilded Class I medals of the Order of Viesturs
Juris Ločs, sergeant major headquarters, Commander, Veterans, Infantry Battalion 31, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard, member of the board, National Guard veteran Organisation
For meritorious service and contribution to development of National Armed Forces and National Guard, research on the history of national resistance movement and National Guard
Nikolajs Loškarevs, deputy officer, canine, inspector, Silene Border Control Unit, Daugavpils Region, State Border Guard
For significant and selfless contribution to safer national borders of Latvia and development of border force
Didzis Šarkovskis, sergeant major headquarters, senior instructor, Combat Support and Supply Training Centre, Military Training Command, National Armed Forces
For professionalism, selfless service and contribution to development of National Armed Forces and participation in five international missions in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan
Cross of Recognition was presented to 16 members of society
Cross of Recognition is awarded for special loyalty to Latvia and meritorious achievements in the field of public administration, social activism, culture, science, sports or education. Such accomplishments include continued loyal service to Latvia at central or local level, high professional and ethical standards, service to society, strengthening of national spirit, grassroots activism or economic potential.
Grand Officers of the Cross of Recognition
Inga Bērziņa, Chair, Kuldīga Regional Council
For notable contribution to development of local governance, growth of Kuldīga and Kurzeme region
Jānis Rozenbergs, Chair, Cēsis Regional Council
For notable contribution to development of local governance, growth of Cēsis and Vidzeme region
Commanders of the Cross of Recognition
Guntars Bartkevičs, manager, farm ‘Amatnieki’ and farm ‘Riekstiņi’, farmer from Baltinava region
For selfless contribution to development of farming and rural landscapes
Dr. phil. Ivars Bērziņš, conductor, professor emeritus, Latvian Academy of Culture
For achievements in the field of culture and notable contribution to development of culture education
Didzis Gavars, laboratory operator, member of the board, E. Gulbja Laboratorija, Ltd.
For professionalism, selfless service and contribution to public health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Dr. art. Jānis Kalnačs, researcher, Social, Economic and Humanities Research Institute, professor, Social Science Faculty, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
For meritorious achievements in researching, conservation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage
Edīte Knēgere, judge of Vidzeme Regional Court, former Chair of Vidzeme Regional Court
For significant contribution to development of judicial system, democracy and rule of law
Inguna Kokina, architect, headmaster, Vocational Education Centre ‘Daugavpils Design and Art School ‘Saules skola’
For contribution to development and promotion of architecture and art education
Inārs Kļaviņš, Latvian engineer and radio manufacturing historian whose professional and personal life was deeply intertwined with Latvia; passed away between the awarding and presentation of the Cross; awarded presented to wife Irēna Kļaviņa
For contribution to national economy
Officers of the Cross of Recognition
Augustīns Delle, sound engineer, Recording studio, SJSC ‘Latvian Radio’
For lifelong contribution to conservation of cultural and historical heritage
Laila Holberga, concertmaster and pianist
For outstanding and lifelong creative achievements in music
Aija Janbicka-Vība, director, Academic Library, Riga Technical University
For lifelong contribution to development of libraries
Ilgvars Jaunģelže, judge, Kurzeme District Court
For significant contribution to development of judicial system, democracy and rule of law
Jānis Kancēvičs, traffic safety expert
For continued professional service and contribution to development of road traffic safety
Uldis Švinks, professor, Latvian Academy of Sports Education
For contribution to restoration of national independence of Latvia and lifelong achievements in sports education and science
Cross of Recognition Class V
Ulriks Pozņaks, physical education teacher and coach, Balvi Regional Sports Academy
For lifelong contribution to development of sports and education and patriotic education of school youth