Cruz Fidélitas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cruz Fidélitas |
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| Eligibility | Military chaplains, as well as other military personnel, civilians and institutions |
| Awarded for | Long and faithful service as a military chaplain, or services to the Military Archbishopric of Spain |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| Established | July 25, 2007 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Long Military Service Cross |
| Next (lower) | None |
 Ribbon bar of the medal |
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The Cruz Fidélitas (which means Fidelity Cross in English) is a special medal from the Spanish Armed Forces. It is mostly given to military chaplains. These are like spiritual guides or priests who serve in the military. The medal is awarded by the military archbishopric, which is the religious leader's office for the military. It honors chaplains for their loyal service. It can also be given to other military members, civilians, or groups who have helped the archbishopric.
Contents
History of the Fidelity Cross
The Cruz Fidélitas was created on July 25, 2007. It was established by the military archbishop at that time, Francisco Pérez González. This medal was made a decoration of the Archdiocese of Spain. It was not just a military award.
Only the current military archbishop has the power to give out these medals. However, he can let another chaplain award some of the lower classes of the medal. The names of everyone who receives this medal are officially announced. They are published in the Official Bulletin of the Military Archbishopric of Spain.
Different Levels of the Medal
The Cruz Fidélitas has different levels, or "classes," depending on who receives it and why.
Levels for Military Chaplains
There are three main levels of the Cruz Fidélitas for military chaplains. These are given based on how many years they have served.
- Cruz de la Cruz Fidélitas (Cross of the Fidelity Cross): This is given for 15 years of service.
- Encomienda de la Cruz Fidélitas (Commendation of the Fidelity Cross): This is awarded for 20 years of service.
- Plata de la Cruz Fidélitas (Plate of the Fidelity Cross): This is given for 25 years of service.
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Levels for Non-Chaplains
Two other levels of the Cruz Fidélitas exist for people who are not chaplains.
- Cruz de Honor de la Cruz Fidélitas (Cross of Honor of the Fidelity Cross): This is for people who have given constant or very helpful service to the archbishopric.
- Gran Cruz de la Cruz Fidélitas (Grand Cross of the Fidelity Cross): This is the highest level. It is given for truly outstanding and valuable service.
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What the Medal Looks Like
The medal has a purple ribbon with two white stripes on each side. A white cross hangs from the ribbon. This cross has a gold border and gold spikes between its arms. In the middle of the cross is the special symbol of the Military Archbishopric of Spain, which is red.
On the back of the medal, there is a large letter "F" in the center. The year "2007" is also on the bottom arm of the cross. A gold crown connects the cross to the ribbon.
The small ribbon bars, which people wear on their uniforms, also have special symbols. The ribbon bars for the Plate, Commendation, and Cross levels have a Latin cross fleury. This cross is gold, silver, or bronze, depending on the level. The ribbon bar for the Grand Cross has a Spanish Royal Crown.
People Who Have Received the Cross of Honor
Some notable people have received the Cross of Honor.
- Antonio Padillo
- Don Alonso Ros Carrasco
- Juan Salvador
See also
In Spanish: Cruz Fidélitas para niños
- Orders, decorations, and medals of Spain
- Military Archbishopric of Spain
