Honourable Speaker of the Saeima,
Honourable Prime Minister,
Honourable Members of the Saeima,
Honourable predecessors – Presidents of Latvia,
I have been present at many ceremonies where Latvian residents and friends of Latvia have received our state's highest awards. I have always been truly inspired by the joy, gratitude and honour with which they receive and then wear our country's highest awards. This is the highest expression of appreciation of our country for people of different professions and social groups. It is also the highest appreciation for our friends and allies.
For my part, I will do my utmost to ensure that our country's highest awards go to those who have walked through the thorns to the stars, who have been strong and fought, or who are people of integrity.
The bar has been set very high for me. Each and every one of you, from Mr Ulmanis, Mrs Vaira Viķe-Freiberga, Mr Zatlers, Mr Bērziņš, Mr Vējonis and Mr Levits, has done everything to hold the honour of this Order in high esteem. I will continue to do so! It is therefore with the greatest honour and gratitude that I assume the responsibility to become the 'Head of the Order'.
