On 21 August 2021, the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia, at 12:00 at Riga Castle at an official ceremony the Statehood Award established by the “4 May Declaration Club” will be presented for the first time. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Channel 1 of Latvian Television.
The aim of the Statehood Award is to promote social respect and awareness of the statehood of Latvia, the social and political importance within the lives of all citizens of the strengthening of statehood. The Statehood Award represents appreciation of people who have and continue still to provide an outstanding contribution to the strengthening of Latvia’s statehood.
Merits include outstanding individual work, as well as long-term successful work and special merit during the period of restoring Latvia’s independence or during the further strengthening of the state. The Statehood Award is presented for lifetime achievement, as well as for individual actions or projects. The Award is presented to one awardee once a year.
The Statehood Award is presented by the President of Latvia at an official ceremony at Riga Castle. The ceremony is attended by the Speaker of the Saeima and the President of the “4 May Declaration Club”. The ceremony takes place on 21 August, which is the Day of Adopting the Constitutional Law on the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia and the Actual Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia, or on another day of importance in terms of Latvia’s statehood if so decided by the award jury. The name of the recipients and the year when they received the Award are engraved on a plaque which is viewable by the public at the Main Building of the Saeima. The patron of the Statehood Award is the President of Latvia.
Photo: Laura Celmiņa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs