Étoile Civique facts for kids
The Étoile Civique (which means Civic Star) is a special award from France. It was created to honor people who show great dedication to their community. It celebrates actions and behaviors that help others and improve society.
Quick facts for kids Étoile Civique |
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Civic Star
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| Type | Award with 4 degrees: Bronze Silver Gold Silver-gilt |
| Awarded for | Distinguished contributions to the community, improvement of social life, progress of Humanity, through hard work, selflessness, and sacrifice. |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 1930 |
Contents
A Look Back: The Civic Star's Story
The Étoile Civique started in 1930. It was first called the Mérite Civique (Civic Merit). The Académie française, a famous French group that protects the French language, created it.
In 1968, its name officially changed to Étoile Civique. This change was announced in the Journal Officiel de la République Française. This is like the official newspaper where French laws and decisions are published.
The award honors brave people. It also celebrates those who dedicate themselves to helping others. It looks for actions that truly show this dedication.
Why This Award Matters
The Étoile Civique recognizes people who make their community better. It honors those who improve social life for everyone. It also celebrates those who help humanity make progress.
The award especially looks for people whose lives are full of hard work. These are often people who are selfless and make sacrifices. They might otherwise remain unknown without this special recognition.
Main Goals of the Étoile Civique
The Étoile Civique has three important goals:
- Improving Lives: It aims to make life better for individuals. This includes people of all ages and backgrounds. It considers their moral and material well-being. The award sees everyone as part of one human family.
- Defending Rights: It supports human rights. It also encourages citizens to respect their duties. This is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration defines what these rights and duties are.
- Showcasing France: It helps to highlight France's national prestige. This means showing the world the good values and actions that come from France.
Award Levels and What They Look Like
This special award comes in four different levels. These levels are bronze, silver, gold, and silver-gilt. Each level shows a higher degree of recognition.
The medal itself has a special message on it. On one side, it says in French: « Honorer les vertus civiques – Servir le prestige national ». This means To honor the civic virtues – Serving national prestige. Civic virtues are good qualities like honesty and responsibility that help a community.
On the other side of the medal, it says: « l'Étoile Civique en reconnaissance à ... Promotion ... ». This means The Civic Star in recognition of ... Promotion .... The "Promotion" part refers to the year or group of people receiving the award. An official certificate with the same words is also given to the recipients.
Famous People Who Received the Award
Many notable people have received the Étoile Civique. Here are a few examples:
- Maryse Bastié: A brave French aviator (pilot).
- Pierre Chevalier: A French caver (someone who explores caves) and mountaineer.
- Jean-Michel Dubois: A French politician.
- Emile Garabiol: A French engineer.
- Bernard Pinet: A French actor.
See also
In Spanish: Étoile Civique para niños
