President Guðni Th. Johannesson, awarded twelve individuals the Order
of the Falcon in an annual ceremony at the presidential residency
Bessastadir yesterday. Six men and six women received the Order for
their outstanding contribution to a variety of fields such as science,
arts, search and rescue and culture. The Order of the Falcon is a
national Order of Iceland, established by King Christian X of Denmark
and Iceland in 1921. Benóný Asgrimsson helicopter pilot was awarded for his contribution
to search and rescue, Bjorn G. Bjornsson set designer for innovation in
his field, Professor Eirikur Rognvaldsson for his contribution to the
preservation of the Icelandic language, Gerdur Gudmundsottir Bjarklind
with the National Broadcasting service for her contribution to Radio,
Gunnhildur Oskarsdottir for her contribution and support to cancer
research and health education awareness, Kolbrun Halldorsdottir theatre
director and president of the Icelandic association of Artists for her
contribution to theatre and to Icelandic arts. Peggy Oliver Helgason, occupational therapist, for his contribution
to children’s health in Iceland. Ragnar Kjartansson visual artist, for
his contribution to Icelandic and international visual arts. Sigridur
Sigthorsdottir architect, for her contribution to Icelandic
architecture. Author Sigurdur Palsson for his contribution to Icelandic
literature. Thorbjorg Arnorsdottir, head of Hali II in South Iceland for
cultural contribution in her community in the south of Iceland. Thor
Jakobson meteorologist, for his contribution for environmental science. The Order of the Falcon was established during a royal visit to
Iceland in 1921, when King Christian X issued the royal decree founding
the Icelandic Order. New statutes were incorporated for the Order in
1944, when Iceland became a republic. It may be awarded to both
Icelanders and citizens of other countries for achievements in Iceland
or internationally. The President of Iceland is the designated Grand
Master of the Order. A council of five makes recommendations on awards
to the Grand Master, who then grants the award. However, the Grand
Master may award the Order without recommendations from the Order
Council. The Grand Master and the Chairman of the Order Council then
sign the Letters Patent, which are given to those who receive the
awards.
IceNews
