Order of Merit of the Italian Republic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Order of Merit of theItalian Republic |
|
|---|---|
Emblem of the order
|
|
| Awarded by the Italian Republic | |
| Type | Order of merit |
| Established | 3 March 1951 |
| Country | Italy |
| Eligibility | Civilian and military divisions |
| Criteria | Meritorious service or achievement |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Luigi Einaudi |
| Grand Master | President of the Republic |
| Grades |
|
| Post-nominals | OMRI |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None |
| Next (lower) | Military Order of Italy |
 Ribbon of the order |
|
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana) is Italy's highest award. It was created in 1951 by Luigi Einaudi, who was the second President of Italy.
This special award is given to people who have done great things for the country. This includes achievements in writing, art, business, public service, and helping others. It also honors long and excellent service in civilian and military jobs. When someone receives this award, they can use the letters OMRI after their name.
This new order took the place of older national awards. These included the Civil Order of Savoy, the Order of the Crown of Italy, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation.
What are the Ranks of the Order?
Awards are usually given out twice a year. One day is June 2nd, which celebrates the founding of the Italian Republic. The other day is December 27th, marking when the Italian Constitution was put into effect. Sometimes, awards can be given at other times, especially to foreigners or for special reasons.
The medal, which was updated in 2001, has a special design. On one side, it says "Al Merito della Repubblica" (For the Merit of the Republic) around Italy's national symbol. On the other side, it has the head of Italia turrita (a symbol of Italy). Around it are Latin words: "Patriæ Unitati" (for the union of the country) and "Civium Libertati" (for the liberty of the citizens).
There are six different ranks, each with its own ribbon:
- Knight Grand Cross with Collar
- Knight Grand Cross
- Grand Officer
- Commander
- Officer
- Knight
The President of Italy gives out these awards. The President is the head of all knightly orders in Italy. They usually follow the advice of the Prime Minister. Most people start at the lowest rank, Knight, unless there are very special circumstances. Usually, you need to be at least 35 years old to receive this award.
The highest rank, Knight Grand Cross with Collar, is only given to leaders of countries.
Who Receives the Award?
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is given to people who have shown outstanding service to Italy. This includes leaders from other countries, important public figures, and citizens who have made a big difference. The highest rank, the Knight Grand Cross with Collar, is typically awarded to heads of state from around the world.
Some of the many leaders who have received this top honor include:
- Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom
- Charles De Gaulle, President of France
- Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa
- Juan Carlos I, King of Spain
- Pope John Paul II, Head of the Catholic Church
- Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
This award celebrates people who have helped Italy or improved relationships between Italy and other nations.
Wearer's guide
-
Wearer's guide for each grade (1951–2001)
-
Wearer's guide for each grade (since 2001)
Gallery
-
Comparison of the pre-2001 (at left) and the post-2001 (at right) badges of the Order
-
All grades of the Order (pre-2001)
-
Five grades of the Order
-
The pre-2001 grades of the Order
-
Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross grades
-
Knights and Officer Classes of the Order
-
Knight 5th Class and Officer 4th Class grades
-
Sets of the Knight and Officer classes
-
Commander 3rd Class of the Order
-
Commander set in case
-
3rd Class set of the Order
-
Bestowal document of a Grand Officer grade with the insignia
-
Grand Officer set of insignia with the bestowal document
-
Grand Cross set of insignia
-
The Grand Cross grade of the Order in case of issue
-
Collar of the Order (pre-2001)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
_-_Tallinn_Museum_of_Orders.jpg){kind=icon}
See also
In Spanish: Orden al Mérito de la República Italiana para niños
- Orders, decorations, and medals of Italy
- Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
- Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation
