Republic of Latvia Minister of Defence Award – Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO

The Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO was founded on March 19th, 2004 commemorating admittance of the Republic of Latvia in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO was awarded as an acknowledgement of appreciation for contribution in the development of the Latvian defence system, by promoting Latvia’s membership in NATO. 

The Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO is made of bronze. The Medal is a round shield that measures 38 mm in diameter.

The official emblem of NATO is depicted on the obverse of the Medal. The reverse has the inscription SEKMĒJOT LATVIJAS DALĪBU NATO (for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO) in the centre which is surrounded by the inscription AIZSARDZĪBAS MINISTRA APBALVOJUMS (Minister of Defence Award). 

The medals are numbered.
 
According to the Statutes of the Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO it was permitted to award a person with the Medal only once. Recommendations for a person to be awarded with the Medal were accepted by the MoD Awards Commission until December 31th, 2004. The Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO was conferred by an order of the Republic of Latvia Minister of Defence. Awarding is not being continued.

A total of 740 persons have been awarded with the Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO, including Latvian State officials, foreign officials, and employees of the Latvian Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) soldiers, foreign soldiers, representatives of public organisations and others. 

The Commemorative Medal for Advancing Latvia’s Accession to NATO is worn in order of precedence after state and MoD awards on a 32 mm wide carmine red (symbolizing Latvian national flag) and dark blue (symbolizing NATO) ribbon separated by a silver stripe (symbolizing justice, honesty and faithfulness). The 10 mm wide ribbon is worn on a dress uniform. A miniature bow tie lapel pin is worn on civilian clothes.