On 4 May, as Latvia celebrated the Restoration of Independence Day, President of Latvia Egils Levits hosted an award ceremony at the Riga Castle to present the highest state awards – Order of the Three Stars, Order of Viesturs and Cross of Recognition.
Published: 04.05.2022.
Order of the Three Stars was presented to 32 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
Dr. art. Dāvis Sīmanis, film director and script writer, professor, Latvian Academy of Culture
For contribution to culture, special role in promoting national film and Latvia internationally
Dr. iur. Sanita Osipova, professor, Faculty of Law, University of Latvia, former President of Constitutional Court
For continuous and significant contribution to development of rule of law in Latvia, strengthening of constitutional values and Latvian as the only official language
Dr. art. Dita Rietuma, director, National Film Centre, lecturer, Riga Stradiņš University
For contribution to culture and significant role in development and international promotion of film industry
Elisabeth Bauer, Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Baltic States
For notable contribution to political education, development of the rule of law and active civic engagement in Latvia
Officers of the Order of the Three Stars
Andrejs Apsītis, film director and director of photography
For contribution to restoration of national independence, notable film projects and documenting of history
Raimonds Bartaševičs, singer, Pērkons (band)
For significant role in strengthening of national spirit and identity during the Soviet occupation and active input in regaining of national independence
Andris K. Bērziņš, venture capitalist (start-ups), CoB, TechHub Riga, MoB, TechChill, member of National Guard
For vital role in promotion of start-up culture and new tech businesses in Latvia
Māris Bērziņš, writer
For contribution to culture and prolific career in authentic literature
Andris Breže, artist
For contribution to culture and outstanding examples of Latvian contemporary art
Ināra Caunīte, architect, CEO, Arhitektes Ināras Caunītes birojs
For contribution to culture and many years of active conservation of architectural heritage
Elga Drulle, Honorary Chief Conductor, Song and Dance Festival, ballet master
For dedicating life to Latvian culture, furthering of folk dance and Song and Dance Festival traditions
Zaiga Gaile, architect, CEO, Zaigas Gailes birojs, Ltd.
For contribution to culture and quality of architecture
Viktors Grībermans, cinematographer
For contribution to culture and notable creative achievements in film
Kristīne Jurjāne, costume and stage designer
For contribution to culture and creative excellence in theatre and film
Dr. phil. Baiba Kangere, linguist, long-time researcher at the University of Stockholm Centre for Baltic Studies
For devoting professional life to strengthening of Latvian language and national identity, and efforts in conserving cultural heritage
Zigmārs Kirilko, soloist, National Ballet of Latvia
For creativity and contribution to national ballet
Elita Kļaviņa, actress, Jaunais Rīgas teātris, film director
For contribution to culture and creative excellence in the field of performing arts
Aivars Kļavis, writer, former Editor-in-Chief, magazine Avots
For contribution to journalism and creative efforts in authentic literature
Kristians Luhaers, film director, producer
For input in regaining of national independence, significant role in cinematography and documenting of history
Austris Mailītis, architect, CEO, Mailitis Architects, author of Freedom Monument Lights project
For exceptional achievements in architecture, promotion of Latvia internationally and implementation of Freedom Monument Lights project
Jānis Mitrēvics, artist, CEO, Dd studio
For contribution to culture, significant creative input in promoting contemporary art in Latvia and Latvia internationally
Aldis Orniņš, City Architect of Kuldīga for many years, restoration specialist
For dedicating professional life to development of architecture and conservation of cultural and historical heritage
Gundega Repše, writer
For active promotion of Latvian literature and prolific writing career in authentic literature
Dace Sparāne-Freimane, CEO, Editor-in-Chief, “Dienas Grāmata” Publishing House
For active promotion of Latvian literature and development of publishing
Grigorijs Semjonovs, MoB, SIA “Daugavpils reģionālā slimnīca/Daugavpils Regional Hospital, Ltd.”
For dedication, professionalism and protecting public health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Juris Sējāns, musician, “Menuets” and “Pērkons”, TV director
For significant role in strengthening of national spirit and identity during the Soviet occupation and active input in regaining of national independence
Zigmārs Turčinskis, historian, researcher at the University of Latvia Institute of History, National Guard member
For continued diligent studies about national resistance movement, documenting of its history and raising of public awareness
Order of the Three Stars Class V
Olga Rajecka, singer
For creative contribution to music and charity events for children and young people
Anda Nordmo, Latvian public figure in Norway
For dedicating life to Latvian diaspora organisation in Norway and its social activities
Harijs Valdmanis, Latvian public figure in Norway
For dedicating life to Latvian diaspora organisation in Norway and its social activities
Lauma Stikuts, Latvian public figure in Canada
For devoting many years of professional life to social care and nurturing of Latvianness
Pēteris Vīgants, Latvian public figure in Germany for many years
For dedicating life to Latvian diaspora organisation in Germany and its social activities
Order of Viesturs was presented to 10 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 Order of Viesturs
Jānis Zemtautis, member of national resistance movement
For special contribution to national resistance movement
Officers of the Order of Viesturs
Imants Grāvītis, public figure, member of national resistance movement
For special contribution to national resistance movement, documenting and nurturing of the memory of Latvian national soldiers and victims of Soviet repression
Gunārs Grikmanis, lieutenant colonel, acting commander, Mechanised Infantry Brigade, Land Forces, National Armed Forces of Latvia
For high professional and service standards, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and participation in international mission in Afghanistan
Modris Kairišs, major, commander, Air Force Training Centre, National Armed Forces of Latvia
For high professional and service standards, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and National Air Force
Juris Kusiņš, lieutenant colonel, Deputy Head for Border Patrol and Immigration, Daugavpils region, State Border Guard
For significant contribution to safer national borders and development of Border Guard
Andris Mačtams, lieutenant colonel, battalion commander, Special Operations, Patrol Police, Public Order Section, Riga region, State Police
For significant contribution to national security of Latvia and maintaining and strengthening of public order
Valentīna Rasnača, public figure, saved jews from extermination during Nazi occupation of Latvia
For dedication and courage in saving jews during Nazi occupation of Latvia
Gilded Class I medals of the Order of Viesturs
Aigars Kašs, master sergeant, acting sergeant major, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard of the Republic of Latvia
For high professional and service standards, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and participation in international mission in Afghanistan
Silver Class II medals of the Order of Viesturs
Arnolds Bahmanis, sergeant major, acting sergeant major, Infantry Company 1, National Guard Infantry Battalion 27, Vidzeme Brigade 2, National Guard of the Republic of Latvia
For high professional and service standards, contribution to development and strengthening of National Armed Forces, military training of troops and National Guard members
Valters Laicāns, sergeant, acting senior expert, Command Group, Combat Support Company, Mechanised Infantry Battalion 2, Mechanised Infantry Brigade, Land Forces, National Armed Forces of Latvia
For high professional and service standards, contribution to development of National Armed Forces and participation in three international missions: Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cross of Recognition was presented to 31 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.
Commanders of the Cross of Recognition
Dr. med. vet. Aivars Bērziņš, professor, academic, director, Institute of Food safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR"
For significant contribution to development of science, professionalism and protecting public health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Dr. iur. Juris Juriss, senior prosecutor, Coordination Unit, Prevention of Money Laundering, Criminal Law Department, Prosecutor General’s Office
For professional integrity, commitment and enormous input in promotion of rule of law in Latvia
Guntis Karelis, neurologist, Head of Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic, Gaiļezers In-patient Facility, SIA “Rīgas Austrumu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca” (JSC Riga Eastern University Hospital), associate professor, Riga Stradiņš University
For achievements in medicine and significant professional input in treating patients
Dr. biol. Jānis Kloviņš, Head of the Scientific Council, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, leading researcher, professor of the University of Latvia, academic
For notable contribution to science, professionalism and protecting public health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Līga Kozlovska, general practitioner, Director, “Līgas Kozlovskas ģimenes ārsta prakse” (Līga Kozlovska General Practice) in Balvi, President, Rural Family Doctors Association of Latvia
For significant professional input in providing healthcare to patients in rural areas of Latvia and professional dedication exhibited during Covid-19 pandemic
Kristīne Līce, acting head, Legal Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Representative of Latvia before International Human Rights Organisation
For significant professional input in representing Latvia at international organisations dealing with protection of human rights
Sergejs Ņikišins, chief laboratory operator, Head of Latvian Centre for Infectious Diseases laboratory, SIA “Rīgas Austrumu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca” (JSC Riga Eastern University Hospital)
For contribution to medical science, professionalism and protecting public health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Sandris Petronis, orthopaedic trauma doctor, CoB, SIA “Rīgas 2. slimnīca” (JSC Riga Hospital 2), professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Riga Stradiņš University
For achievements in medical science, dedication and professional input in treating patients
Dace Žentiņa, pneumonologist, Head, Lung Disease and Thoracic Surgery Centre, Internal Medicine Clinic, VSIA “Paula Stradiņa Klīniskā universitātes slimnīca” (SJSC Pauls Stradiņš University Hospital)
For significant contribution to development of medicine and professional dedication exhibited during Covid-19 pandemic
Officers of the Cross of Recognition
Gunta Babauska, Director for healthcare, “ARS” Medical Centre
For significant contribution to management of healthcare and efficient response to Covid-19 pandemic
Sandis Bērtaitis, attorney at law, MoB, Freedom Monument Lights Foundation
For active public support of art, culture and education, input in implementation of Freedom Monument Lights project
Normunds Bļasāns, lighting designer, lighting engineer, author of Freedom Monument Lights project
For significant contribution to culture and implementation of Freedom Monument Lights project
Aivars Broks, musician, tutor, Staņislavs Broks Daugavpils Music Secondary School
For professional dedication, community activism and input in nurturing of Daugavpils cultural environment
Anastasija Irbe, speech therapist, “ARS” Medical Centre
For dedicating life and professional efforts to development of speech therapy
Dr. agr. Aldis Jansons, academic emeritus of Latvia, leading researcher, Institute of Agriculture, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
For dedicating life and professional efforts to development of science and agriculture
Daina Kraukle, art historian
For significant contribution to conservation, promotion and development of intangible cultural heritage
Silvija Latkovska, neonatology and paediatrics, “ARS” Medical Centre
For dedicating professional life and efforts to children’s health and treatment
Viesturs Lāriņš, professor, Latvian Academy of Sport Education
For contribution to restoration of national independence and dedicating professional career to sports education and science
Dr. med. Ināra Logina, neurologist, professor, Riga Stradiņš University
For achievements in medicine and dedicating professional life to treatment of patients
Dr. habil. med. Māra Pilmane, professor, Director, Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradiņš University
For enormous professional, educational and research achievements and contribution to development of medicine
Sarmīte Pužule, allergist, pneumonologist, physician, Balvi Hospital Covid-19 Unit
For significant professional input in providing healthcare to patients in rural areas and professional dedication exhibited during Covid-19 pandemic
Dr. philol. Lita Silova, literature researcher, teacher, Latvian language and literature, Riga French Lycée
For many years and significant achievements in teaching and strengthening of Latvian as the official language
Artūrs Šmits, businessman, author of the Freedom Monument Lights project
For significant contribution and implementation of Freedom Monument Lights project
Ieva Treija, founder, MoB, SIA “Gemoss”
For many years doing business and significant role in Latvia’s economy, as well as selfless charity work
Maija Vanaga, former director, Riga Art and Media School
For dedicating professional life to development of vocational education
Cross of Recognition Class V
Lidija Ozoliņa, researcher, Sēlija regional studies
For significant contribution to development of culture, education and regional studies
Agris Petermanis, former chair, Nīca Regional Council
For many years of active local governance
Gints Šīmanis, public figure, member of Latvian Maritime Union
For many years of fruitful research and promotion of Latvian maritime history
Danute Šulce, public figure, coordination, mission “Pakāpieni” (Steps)
For many years of professional and public efforts for betterment of Latvian society
Viljams Šulcs, public figure, coordination, mission “Pakāpieni” (Steps)
For many years of professional and public efforts for betterment of Latvian society
Pēteris Vilks, tutor, principal conductor, Vidzeme Regional wind orchestra, artistic director, “Smiltene” wind orchestra
For significant contribution to National Song and Dance Celebration and promotion of wind orchestra traditions