Dear Mr Speaker of the Saeima!
Dear members of the Chapter of Orders!
Dear recipients of highest state awards!
Ladies and gentlemen!
I am pleased to congratulate you on the 104th anniversary of Latvia!
Today we will honour people whose honest work, active citizenship, public activities, and selflessness strengthen Latvia as a democratic, legal and national state.
The Latvian state awards - the Order of the Three Stars, Order of Viesturs and Cross of Recognition - are the highest recognition of the state.
The Latvian State was founded 104 years ago so that the Latvian nation could last forever.
One hundred years ago, the members of the Constitutional Assembly adopted the Constitution so that the Latvian people could govern themselves within a democratic framework.
This century has been a testament to the creative power of our people and the unchanging will of the Latvian nation.
During the inter-war years Latvia flourished. In the dark years of occupation, we safeguarded our national will. We regained Latvia's freedom and independence.
Now we are ready to defend our country, ready to improve and further develop it.
Each one of us, individually and together, is taking part in this work. In a democracy, everyone is doing their part. Everyone has the opportunity and duty to contribute to the building of Latvia.
Today, presenting awards, we honour people from all over Latvia whose work for the country has been particularly significant.
They are eminent cultural figures, members of the judiciary, scientists and teachers. They are the medical professionals who bravely and selflessly took care of public health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We honour entrepreneurs, veterinarians, farmers, municipal workers, custodians of historical memory and cultural heritage.
State awards will be given to people who, while living abroad, have dedicated their full of Latvian values lives to the Latvian nation.
The Order of the Three Stars, the highest Latvian state award, will be given to people who have shown significant civic courage, provided assistance to Ukraine, its soldiers and civilians, and documented the struggle of the Ukrainian people for independence and freedom.
The highest state awards will be given to soldiers, border guards and police officers who protect the Latvian state, participate in training the young generation and honourably represent our country internationally.
Dear awards recipients!
You are characterised by selflessness, determination, care for the Latvian people, for your fellow human beings and love for the Latvian state. You make our Latvia strong and beautiful!
On behalf of myself and the Chapter of the Order, I express to each and every one of you my highest appreciation and the sincerest gratitude for your service to Latvia! Thank you!
Wishing you a bright and joyful day!
