On 18 November, Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, a special ceremony was held at the Riga Castle to present the highest awards of the state of Latvia – the Order of the Three Stars, Order of Viesturs and Cross of Recognition.
Order of the Three Stars was presented to 38 recipients
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
Ilgvars Kļava, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine. For high professional dedication and significant input in promoting bilateral ties between Latvia and Ukraine and coordinating Ukraine support efforts.
H. E. Olexandr Mischenko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ukraine to Latvia. For significant contribution to development of Latvia-Ukraine bilateral relations.
Mikhail Baryshnikov, theatre, film actor and ballet. For creative excellence, contribution to Latvian culture and promoting Latvia internationally.
Imants Gross, the first ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Kingdom of Sweden. For many years of building and strengthening diplomatic contacts between Latvia and Sweden.
Officers of the Order of the Three Stars
Olafs Libermanis, microsurgeon, director, SIA “Brūču klīnika”. For microsurgical excellence and selfless professionalism exhibited during treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
Mārtiņš Malzubris, traumatologist, orthopaedic surgeon, Director of Trauma Centre, SJSC Trauma and Orthopaedic Hospital. For outstanding professional achievements in the field of trauma therapy and reconstructive surgery, and selfless professionalism exhibited during treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
Vilnis Beķeris, former long-standing director of Latvia Puppet Theatre. For life-long contribution to culture and significant role in development of Latvia Puppet Theatre.
Vija Blūzma, actor, director, Latvia Puppet Theatre. For cultural achievements and creative excellence in development of Latvia Puppet Theatre.
Dr. art. Aija Brasliņa, Head of Collections and Research at the Latvian National Museum of Art. For cultural achievements and exceptional contribution to research and promotion of Latvian visual arts.
Dr. med. vet. Liene Dindone, veterinary doctor, President of World Latvian 2x2 movement council. For special contribution to veterinary medicine in Latvia and commitment to public activities of Latvian diaspora organisations.
Sarmīte Dzelzīte, radiologist, diagnostician, Medical Centre ARS. For notable achievements in medicine and significant contribution to healthcare.
Anna Heinrihsone, stage and costume designer, painter. For cultural achievements, creative excellence and contribution to Latvian art and promotion of Latvian culture abroad.
Ināra Ieviņa, actress, Valmiera Theatre. For dedicating professional life to Latvian performing arts.
Dr. habil. philol. Benedikts Kalnačs, literary researcher, senior research fellow, Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia, academic, professor. For notable achievements in culture and research, professional contribution to research and promotion of Latvian literature and art.
Atis Klimovičs, journalist, National Guard member. For active civic stance and commitment, professional dedication to documenting wars and military conflicts around the world.
Artūrs Lapiņš, architect, CoB, SIA “Arhitektoniskās izpētes grupa”. For notable achievements in culture and significant contribution to heritage preservation.
Irēne Lazda, Latvian public figure in the United State of America. For dedicating life to strengthening of Latvianness and significant contribution to development of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
Aivars Edvards Osvalds, Latvian public figure in the United State of America. For dedicating life to strengthening of Latvianness and significant contribution to development of Latvia’s national defence sector.
Lauris Liberts, Chairman, Supervisory Board, Printful Latvia, Jsc. For notable role in development of start-ups and national economy.
Agris Tamanis, Chairman, Board, Printful Latvia, Jsc. For notable role in development of start-ups and national economy.
Raimonds Tiguls, composer. For creative excellence and contribution to Latvian music.
Edīte Tišheizere, theatre scholar and critic. For cultural achievements and excellent theatre criticism, research and promotion of Latvian theatre traditions internationally.
Order of the Three Stars Class V
Ulvis Noviks, director, NGO “Tavi draugi” (‘Your friends). For showing civic courage and initiative in coordinating humanitarian aid for Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in Latvia.
Reinis Pozņaks, founder and coordinator Twitter Convoy initiative. For showing civic courage and initiative in helping Ukraine, its soldiers and civilians.
Anna Andersone, Chairman, Board, “Uzņēmēji mieram” (Entrepreneurs for Peace) Foundation, coordinator of Entrepreneurs for Peace movement, CEO, Riga TechGirls. For showing civic courage and initiative in helping Ukraine, its soldiers and civilians.
Kristofs Blaus, Board member, “Uzņēmēji mieram” (Entrepreneurs for Peace) Foundation, coordinator of Entrepreneurs for Peace movement. For showing civic courage and initiative in helping Ukraine, its soldiers and civilians.
Ieva Driksna, Board member, “Uzņēmēji mieram” (Entrepreneurs for Peace) Foundation, coordinator of Entrepreneurs for Peace movement. For showing civic courage and initiative in helping Ukraine, its soldiers and civilians.
Gints Amoliņš, journalist, international news editor, News Section, Latvian Television. For journalistic achievements, courage and dedication in documenting war in Ukraine and freedom struggle of Ukrainians.
Ina Strazdiņa, journalist, managing international news editor, News Section, Latvian Television. For journalistic achievements, courage and dedication in documenting war in Ukraine and freedom struggle of Ukrainians.
Ingus Graudiņš, cameraman, Latvian Television. For excellent camera work, courage and dedication in documenting war in Ukraine and freedom struggle of Ukrainians.
Ieva Vārna, TV3 newscaster. For journalistic achievements, courage and dedication in documenting war in Ukraine and freedom struggle of Ukrainians.
Sergejs Medvedevs, TV3 chief news cameraman. For excellent camera work, courage and dedication in documenting war in Ukraine and freedom struggle of Ukrainians.
Indra Sprance, journalist, Senior Editor, Investigative Journalism Unit, Latvian Radio. For journalistic achievements, courage and dedication in documenting war in Ukraine and freedom struggle of Ukrainians.
Mārtiņš Amatnieks, 2nd Secretary, Consular Affairs, Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine. For dedication and professionalism despite the war in Ukraine while posted to Latvia’s Embassy in Ukraine.
Karīna Leja, Deputy Head of the Diplomatic Mission, adviser, Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine. For dedication and professionalism despite the war in Ukraine while posted to Latvia’s Embassy in Ukraine.
Dzidra Liepiņa, Head of Consular Affairs, Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine. For dedication and professionalism despite the war in Ukraine while posted to Latvia’s Embassy in Ukraine.
Edvīns Severs, former 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine, Head of the Foreign Ministers’ Office. For dedication and professionalism despite the war in Ukraine while posted to Latvia’s Embassy in Ukraine.
Renārs Volks, housekeeper, Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine. For dedication and professionalism despite the war in Ukraine while posted to Latvia’s Embassy in Ukraine.
Order of Viesturs was presented to 28 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.
Commander of the Grand Cross of the Order of Viesturs
Normunds Mežviets, Director General of Latvian State Security Service. For significant contribution in strengthening Latvia’s national security.
Grand Officer of the Order of Viesturs
Kaspars Zdanovskis, Brigade General, National Armed Forces, Deputy Commander of NAF Joint Headquarters for Support. For professionalism, dedication to service, input in development of the National Armed Forces and participation in international missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Commander of the Order of Viesturs
Colonel Reinis Baško, National Armed Forces, Commander of NAF Joint Headquarters for Support. For professionalism, dedication to service, input in development of the National Armed Forces and participation in international missions in Afghanistan.
Colonel Aleksandrs Holmanovs, Latvia’s Defence Attaché to Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. For professionalism, dedication to service and significant role in development of Latvia-Ukraine defence cooperation.
Colonel Aleksandrs Petrovskis, Communications Officer, International Cooperation and Protocol Unit, International Cooperation Department, Headquarters, State Border Guard. For significant contribution to security of national borders and development of state border force.
Colonel Gunārs Vizulis, Commander, Latgale Brigade 3, National Guard of the Republic of Latvia. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Guard and participation in international missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Officer of the Order of Viesturs
Colonel Ilmārs Džeņevs, Latvia’s Defence Attache to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and National Guard, participation in international missions in Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lieutenant Colonel Romāns Jašins, Deputy Head, Serious Organized and Serial Crime Division, Main Crime Unit, State Police. For significant contribution to national security and development of State Police.
Lieutenant Colonel Andris Kalnaģeidāns, Head, Ogre Police Station, Riga Region Division, State Police. For significant contribution to national security and development of State Police.
Lieutenant Commander Onils Marcinkus, Commander, Diving Unit, Mine Squadron, Naval Forces, National Armed Forces of Latvia. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Naval Forces.
Gatis Māliņš, Major (Ret’d), National Armed Forces of Latvia. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and strengthening of national security.
Jānis Slaidiņš, Major, National Guard of Latvia. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Guard, Latvian military history research and documenting of stories of Latvian soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Iveta Smoča, Head, Internal Control Unit, State Police. For significant contribution to national security and development of State Police.
Lieutenant Colonel Iveta Valaine, Deputy Head, Multi-Agency Coordination Division, Coordination and Control Section, Main Patrol Unit, State Police. For significant contribution to national security and development of State Police.
Order of Viesturs Class V
Senior Lieutenant Sentis Gorbāns, Commander, Command Group, Reconnaissance Section, Combat Support Company, 31st Infantry Battalion, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development and strengthening of National Armed Forces and National Guard.
Lieutenant Jānis Kinēns, Commander, Command Group, Supply Section, 52nd Combat Support Battalion Headquarters and Supply Company, Kurzeme Brigade 4, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, important contribution to strengthening of National Armed Forces and training of National Guard personnel.
First Lieutenant Valdis Kļaviņš, Commander, Guard Section, 25th Combat Support Battalion Headquarters and Supply Company, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, important contribution to strengthening of National Armed Forces and training of National Guard personnel.
First Lieutenant Helmuts Korns, Officer, Planning Unit, Operational Command, Headquarters, Kurzeme Brigade 4, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to National Guard service and important contribution to military training of National Guard.
Captain Dainis Kravals, Commander, Engineering Section, Riga Brigade 1, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, important contribution to strengthening of National Armed Forces.
Gilded Class I medals of the Order of Viesturs
Warrant Officer Andris Fjodorovs, Inspector, Sigma Special Operations, Aviation Department, State Border Guard. For professionalism and dedication to securing national borders of Latvia and development of border force.
Sergeant First Class Egils Hibšmanis, Chief Technician, Communications Section, 52nd Combat Support Battalion, Kurzeme Brigade 4, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, important contribution to development of National Armed Forces and National Guard.
Warrant Officer Māris Krapāns, Inspector, Pāternieki Class 1 Border Crossing Point, Daugavpils region, State Border Guard. For professionalism and dedication to securing national borders of Latvia and development of border force.
Master Sergeant Major Uldis Veliks, First Sergeant, 54th Combat Support Battalion, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to strengthening of National Armed Forces and National Guard, and military patriotic education.
Gilded Class II medals of the Order of Viesturs
First Sergeant Aigars Ozolkāja, First Sergeant, 1st Artillery Battery, Artillery Division, Land Force Mechanised Infantry Brigade, National Armed Forces. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and successful international operations in Mali and Afghanistan.
Boatswain Jevgenijs Žitkovs, Chief Officer, Security Unit, Reconnaissance and Security Department, Naval Force Headquarters, National Armed Forces. For professionalism and dedication to service, contribution to development of National Armed Force Navy.
Gilded Class III medals of the Order of Viesturs
Senior National Guard Mārīte Bergmane, National Guard nurse (medical), Medical Unit 1, Medical Section 3, Riga Brigade 1, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, significant contribution to development of National Guard and promotion of National Guard public image.
Senior National Guard Ilmārs Gedušs, Commander, Guard Unit 3, Guard Section, Headquarters and Supply Company, Infantry Battalion 32, Latgale Brigade 3, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, important contribution to strengthening of National Guard and military and patriotic education of National Guard Cadet Force.
Senior National Guard Inārs Paura, Senior IT operator, Communications Section, Headquarters and Supply Company, 17th Combat Support Battalion, Riga Brigade 1, National Guard. For professionalism and dedication to service, important contribution to strengthening of National Guard.
Cross of Recognition was presented to 24 members of the public
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.
Commanders of the Cross of Recognition
Ināra Garda, Senator, Civil Law Department, Senate of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia. For commitment to professional standards and contribution to development of national legal system, democracy and rule of law in Latvia.
Dr. iur. Aldis Lieljuksis, associate professor, Faculty of Law, Riga Stradiņš University. For important contribution to development of legal education and studies in Latvia.
Iveta Māliņa, Head Nurse, ARS Medical Centre. For dedication and professional commitment to healthcare and patient care.
Laila Medina, Advocate General, Court of Justice of the European Union, former Deputy State Secretary for Legal Policy at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Latvia for many years. For significant contribution to the development of national legal system and quality of legislation.
Dr. med. vet. Gundega Mičule, veterinary doctor. For many years of professional excellence and contribution to veterinary medicine.
Vija Strazdiņa, wheat breeder and researcher, Department of Agricultural Ecology and Field Crop Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics. For research and breeding excellence and contribution to agriculture.
Ilga Upeniece, infectious disease doctor, head of Infectious Disease Department, Jēkabpils Regional Hospital. For significant professional contribution to provision of healthcare in rural regions of Latvia and professional dedication during Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. habil. philol. Jānis Valdmanis, corresponding member, Latvian Academy of Science, professor emeritus of University of Latvia, long-standing director of Latvian Language Agency. For devoting professional life to linguistics and notable contribution to implementation of official language policy.
Dagnija Vanaga, Headmistress of Vocational Education Competence Centre ‘Riga State Technical School’. For significant contribution to education of new generation and development of vocational education.
Dr. habil. hist. Zbigniew Wawer, professor, historian, director of Polish Royal Łazienki Museum. For significant contribution to deepening of Latvia-Poland relations and development of shared collective memory.
Lilita Vilsone, Chief Legal Adviser, Legal Bureau, Saeima (Parliament of the Republic of Latvia). For diligence and high professional standards contributing to development of Latvia’ s legal system.
Aleksejs Višņakovs, Head, Emergency and Admissions Clinic, Riga Eastern University Hospital, LLC. For significant contribution to healthcare and professional dedication during Covid-19 pandemic.
Aivis Zalužinskis, Prosecutor, Anti-Money Laundering Coordination Division, Criminal Law Department, Prosecutor General’s Office. For diligence, professional dedication and important contribution in strengthening of the rule of law.
Officers of the Cross of Recognition
Dr. pharm. Ilze Bārene, Professor Emeritus, Department of Pharmacology, Rigas Stradiņš University. For dedicating professional life to pharmacological education and research.
Vilnis Feodorovs, farmer, Chairman of the Board, dairy farm 'Madliena 2', LLC. For notable professional commitment to agriculture and rural environment management.
Anna Jegorova, Head of Augšdaugava Region Social Service. For notable professional achievements in the field of social work for Latvian residents.
Baiba Jevdokimova, beautician. For notable contribution to education of young beauticians.
Jānis Kaijaks, Artistic and Theatre Director, Ogre Theatre. For diverse creative contribution to development of culture and theatre.
Ilze Šakare, Latvian community activist in Kingdom of Sweden. For lifelong support of Latvian diaspora and strengthening of its ties with Latvia.
Cross of Recognition Class V
Silvija Dorša, Editor, newspaper 'Mazpulks' (4-H), former long-standing Chief of Valka 4-H Chapter 11. For many years of professional commitment to education and furthering of 4-H traditions in Latvia.
Ruta Pazdere, Chairperson of the Board, NGO 'Par latviešu valodu' (For Latvian Language), Chairperson of the Board, Latvian Occupation Research Society. For professional commitment and contribution to historical research and raising of public awareness.
Staņislavs Prikulis, Vicar General, Rēzekne-Aglona Diocese, Dean, Rēzekne God’s Mercy Roman Catholic Congregation. For dedication to God and contribution to social cohesion.
Hēlija Staņislavska, heritage keeper and expert. For selfless commitment to preservation of heritage.
Dzintra Zvejniece, Chairperson of the Board, NGO Alūksnes un Apes novadu fonds (Alūksne and Ape Region Foundation), Head of NGO “Alūksne Non-Governmental Organisation Support Centre. For civic activism and contribution to development of civic society.
