The different decorations, including the highest - Order of the Three Stars -, as well as the Order of Viesturs and the Cross of Recognition, were received by 67 persons, who in some way have helped Latvia regain its independence still in Soviet times. President Egils Levits expressed special gratitude to those who fought in the Popular Front, National Resistance movement and to journalists who recorded the events.
State decorations were received also by those members of society whose professional and civic activity has contributed to a democratic, just and national Latvia.
The full list of the award recipients is available here.
"I don't think I am the one who deserves it. We did all we could, I didn't count working hours. It was a very uplifting process. I am from the generation who didn't believe something like that could happen," said recipient of the Order of the Three Stars, head of the Chancellery of the Popular Front, Ruta Barauska.
"There was a feeling that everything must be photographed no matter what," said photographer Aivars Liepiņš.
President Levits in his speech said: "Thank you to each and every one, and all of you together! Together, we all build a free, independent, democratic and national State."
