Fourteen people received the honours of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon at Bessastaðir yesterday, reports RÚV. Among them were the musician Laufey and former football player Ásgeir Sigurvinsson.
The President of Iceland awarded 14 Icelanders the Icelandic Order of the Falcon at a ceremonial event at Bessastaðir on 1 January. The Order of the Falcon is awarded twice a year: on New Year’s Day and on Iceland’s National Day, 17 June.
Anna Júlíana Sveinsdóttir, singer and vocal teacher, for contributions to classical music education.
Ásgeir Sigurvinsson, former football player, for his achievements in football.
Bragi Valdimar Skúlason, author and composer, for contributions to the development and preservation of the Icelandic language.
Guðrún Þorgerður Larsen, geologist, for contributions to earth sciences and civil protection.
Ingólfur Guðnason, horticulturist, for pioneering work in organic cultivation and teaching.
Karl Gunnarsson, marine biologist, for contributions to research on seaweeds, marine life, and coastal ecosystems.
Kristján Kristjánsson, philosopher and professor, for teaching and research in ethics and character education.
Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, musician, for contributions to music in Iceland and internationally.
Pálmi V. Jónsson, physician specialising in geriatric medicine and professor emeritus, for contributions to geriatric medicine and innovation in elderly care.
Rósa Marinósdóttir, nurse, for volunteer work supporting youth sports across the country and contributions to community welfare in her hometown.
Sigríður Sigurðardóttir, former museum director, for contributions to preserving turf houses and other cultural heritage.
Valgerður Benediktsdóttir, former rights director, for promoting Icelandic literature abroad.
Yngvi Pétursson, former rector and teacher, for contributions to education and pioneering work in computer science teaching in Iceland.
Þórey Einarsdóttir, supervisor, for contributions to the homeless and disadvantaged.
Laufey posted photos from the event on her social media and said that, above all, it was a great honour to be awarded the Order of the Falcon:
“As you all know, I am so deeply proud to be Icelandic and proud to be part of such a strong, intelligent, and artistic population (led by women!).”