The Cross of Recognition ( lv, Atzinības krusts) is a
state decoration
A state decoration is an object, such as a medal or the insignia of an order, that is awarded by a sovereign state to honor the recipient. The term includes:
*Civil awards and decorations
*Military awards and decorations
Military awards and d ...
of
Latvia
Latvia ( or ; lv, Latvija ; ltg, Latveja; liv, Leţmō), officially the Republic of Latvia ( lv, Latvijas Republika, links=no, ltg, Latvejas Republika, links=no, liv, Leţmō Vabāmō, links=no), is a country in the Baltic region of ...
.
History
The decoration was established in 1710 in the
Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia ( la, Ducatus Curlandiæ et Semigalliæ; german: Herzogtum Kurland und Semgallen; lv, Kurzemes un Zemgales hercogiste; lt, Kuršo ir Žiemgalos kunigaikštystė; pl, Księstwo Kurlandii i Semigalii) was ...
by Duke
Frederick William The name Frederick William usually refers to several monarchs and princes of the Hohenzollern dynasty:
* Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg (1620–1688)
* Frederick William, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1675–1713)
* Frederick William I of ...
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
The Great Northern War (1700–1721) was a conflict in which a coalition led by the Tsardom of Russia successfully contested the supremacy of the Swedish Empire in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. The initial leaders of the anti-Swed ...
” (''“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 ( lv, Latvijas Valsts prezidents ) is head of state and commander-in-chief of the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Latvia.
The term of office is four years. Before 1999, it was three years. The president may be e ...
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 ( or ; lv, Latvija ; ltg, Latveja; liv, Leţmō), officially the Republic of Latvia ( lv, Latvijas Republika, links=no, ltg, Latvejas Republika, links=no, liv, Leţmō Vabāmō, links=no), is a country in the Baltic region of ...
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.]
The ranks
References
External links
State Decorations of Latvia
{{Latvian honours
Orders, decorations, and medals of Latvia
Duchy of Courland and Semigallia