The Cross of Recognition () is a
state decoration
A state decoration is an object, such as a medal or the insignia of an Order (distinction), order, that is awarded by a sovereign state to honor the recipient.
The term includes civil awards and decorations, as well as military awards and decorat ...
of
Latvia
Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia to the east and Belarus to t ...
.
History
The decoration was established in 1710 in the
Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was a duchy in the Baltic states, Baltic region, then known as Livonia, that existed from 1561 to 1569 as a nominal vassal state of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and subsequently made part of the Crown of th ...
by Duke
Frederick William as a symbol of the then-established Order of Recognition (''l’Ordre de la Reconnaissance''). According to the order's statute, it was established “in thanks to God Almighty for the recovery of Courland after the
Great Northern War
In the Great Northern War (1700–1721) a coalition led by the Tsardom of Russia successfully contested the supremacy of the Swedish Empire in Northern Europe, Northern, Central Europe, Central and Eastern Europe. The initial leaders of the ant ...
” (''“et in memoriam recuperatae Curlandiae”''). The order was bestowed for outstanding civilian and military accomplishments.
[State awards. The Cross of Recognition]
- Official website of the President of Latvia
The president of Latvia ( ) is head of state and commander-in-chief of the Latvian National Armed Forces, National Armed Forces of the Latvia, Republic of Latvia.
The term of this office is four years. Before 1999, it was three years. The presi ...
Frederick William died in January 1711. No more than 18 people were awarded the order and its cross by then. After his death, no further orders were presented.
[
The Cross of Recognition was reestablished by the ]Republic of Latvia
Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia to the east and Belarus to t ...
in 1938. Five classes of the order and three medals of honour were introduced, as well as a separate first level for the medal.[
With the beginning of the Soviet occupation of Latvia, the bestowing of the order was halted.
After the restoration of the independence of Latvia, the decoration was restored again as the Cross of Recognition in 2004.][ It is awarded to Latvians and foreigners for special services in public, cultural, science, sports and education.
]
Ranks
The Cross of Recognition is awarded in the five classes:The Cross of Recognition
- website of the President of Latvia
The president of Latvia ( ) is head of state and commander-in-chief of the Latvian National Armed Forces, National Armed Forces of the Latvia, Republic of Latvia.
The term of this office is four years. Before 1999, it was three years. The presi ...
#Commander of the Great Cross: Cross is worn suspended from a sash worn over the shoulder with a breast star
#Grand Officer: Cross is worn suspended from the neck with a breast star
#Commander: Cross is worn suspended from the neck
#Officer: Cross is worn suspended from a ribbon with rosette worn on the chest
#Bearer: Cross is worn suspended from a ribbon worn on the chest.
In addition, honorary medals are issued at three levels:
#Gilded Medal
#Silver Medal
#Bronze Medal
References
External links
State Decorations of Latvia
{{Latvian honours
Orders, decorations, and medals of Latvia
Duchy of Courland and Semigallia