Twenty-two personalities awarded state distinctions

Twenty-two personalities have been awarded with state honours and medals for bravery. The state distinctions were presented by President Vaclav Klaus at a traditional ceremony at Prague Castle, which is held every year on October 28 - the anniversary of the foundation of an independent Czechoslovak state in 1918. The Order of the White Lion, the country's highest state honour, was given to WWII veterans Antonin Spacek and Josef Bryks, who died in 1956 and was given the distinction in memoriam.

Among the others who received state distinctions were cross-country skier Katerina Neumannova, Chairwoman of the Confederation of Political Prisoners Nadezda Kavalirova, football legend Josef Masopust, and actress Iva Janzurova.