Order of Viesturs

The Order of Viesturs (Latvian: Viestura ordenis) is a Latvian state order founded in 1938, which was temporarily discontinued in 1940 by the Soviet occupation of Latvia, but was re-established in 2004. The order is named after the medieval historical figure King Viesturs of ancient Semigallia. Currently it is the highest military-related award still awarded by Latvia.

Order of Viesturs Viestura ordenis
Grand Cross of the order with swords
Type	5 class Order, with three honor medals. Awarded with swords (military) and without (civil).
Awarded for	merit in service to the armed forces; safeguarding and strengthening national security and social order; defense of the country's borders.
Presented by	Latvia
Motto	Confortamini et pugnate (Be strong and fight)
Established	11 August 1938
Ribbon for civil awards Ribbon for military awards
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of the Three Stars
Next (lower)	Cross of Recognition

Classes of the Order

The order is awarded in the following classes:

• Grand Cross: Cross is worn suspended from a sash worn over the shoulder with a breast star.
• Grand Officer: Cross is worn suspended from the neck with a breast star
• Commander: Cross is worn suspended from the neck
• Officer: Cross is worn suspended from a ribbon with rosette worn on the chest
• Knight: Cross is worn suspended from a ribbon worn on the chest.

The order also has three medals that may be awarded in the civil or military divisions:

• Gold Medal
• Silver Medal
• Bronze Medal

1st class with swords	1st class	1st class with swords, dames	1st class, dames
2nd class with swords	2nd class	2nd class with swords, dames	2nd class, dames
3rd class with swords	3rd class	3rd class with swords, dames	3rd class, dames
4th class	5th class

References

• The State Decorations of Latvia, Office of the President of Latvia
• Order of Viesturs