On 3rd of May 2018, the President of Latvia H.E. Mr. Raimonds Vējonis awarded the Baltic Defence College's Joint Command and General Staff Course student Major Uldis Gūtmanis the Order of Viesturs, Fourth Class, and appointed him as an Officer of the Order for his selfless and conscientious service, significant contribution to the development of the Latvian National Armed Forces and excellent representation of the Latvian Army. The ceremony took place in the Riga Castle.

Photo by Chancery of the President of Latvia

For the reference: The Order of the Guards of the Fatherland – The Order of Viesturs is a State Decoration of Latvia founded in 1938 in commemoration of the might of Latvia in ancient times, awarded for 20 months and reestablished in 2004. It is named after the historical figure King Viesturs. The motto for the Order is “Confortamini et pugnate” (“Be Strong in Battle!”). It is being conferred for outstanding military achievements, accomplishments in maintaining public order, protecting country’s borders and teaching the country’s residents about statehood.