The secret of the issue of the origin of awards is hidden in the deep past. The first reward signs were introduced in ancient Rome. This distinctive symbolism was made in the form of a medallion. The Romans called her "Falera". The science that studies awards is called “phaleristics”.
The origins of the concept of "order"
Then came the orders. Previously, they were not like the usual awards. Initially, an order is a society of people distinguished by special features, for example, class, rank, lifestyle or beliefs. The crusaders made cross-shaped patches. It was a sign of distinction of their community and belonging to the order. Only representatives of the nobility who duly proved themselves were allowed to join the order. Therefore, acceptance into the order was considered an encouragement. Over time, the stripes were transformed into separate items. Now it has become possible to wear them around the neck or fasten to the chest. This is how the well-known distinctive signs (medals and orders) appeared.
The birth of state awards
02.03.92 - date of birth of level awards"state" in post-Soviet Russia. On this March day, a corresponding decree was issued by the Presidium of the Supreme Council. In 2013, a provision of the same name was issued, which continues to operate today. It classifies gratifications and regulates everything connected with them. According to the document, titles (highest and honorary), medals, orders and other personal rewards are used to encourage laureates.
Degrees of medals and orders
Such distinctive items as medals or orders are often issued with a difference in degrees. These solemn rewards are awarded sequentially, in order of seniority: first the lowest, then the more honorary.
1994 was marked by the introduction of several state awards of the highest degree of honor at once. A particularly important position among them was occupied and still holds by the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" (decree 442 of 03/02/94). It is presented by the head of state, twice a year.
How to get distinctive rewards?
People with citizenship of Russia and some other countries can be awarded this honor for especially noteworthy actions, such as:
- strengthening Russian statehood;
- progressive growth of the social and economic component of the state;
- Introduction of innovations in scientific and research fields;
- art distribution;
- culture promotion;
- achieving brilliantsports records;
- maintaining the interaction and solidarity of people around the world;
- development of the integrated defense of the state.
Degrees (levels of significance) of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" - four. In order of seniority: from first to fourth. Next comes the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland. It has two levels of significance. Senior is first. You can become a person awarded the highest award by first receiving the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland (both levels).
Extraordinary awards
However, there are exceptional situations when heroes of the Russian Federation, current order bearers of other highest awards, "folk" actors, singers, etc. are awarded out of turn. In addition, the President of the Russian Federation has the right to extraordinary assignment of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" to people who do not have other government awards or high ranks in their assets.
The kit includes: certificate, badge with block, star and straps with ribbons. Moreover, in the set of the first two levels there is both a sign and a star, and in the last two - only a sign.
Appearance of distinctive awards
E. I. Ukhnalev (1931-2015) is an eminent artist. Thanks to his talent, each part of the set is a work of "faler" art. The prototype of thisThe award was chosen the Order of St. Vladimir, which was awarded to outstanding representatives of Tsarist Russia.
Stars of both degrees look the same. They differ only in size. The radius of the circumscribed circle is R=82 mm and R=72 mm for stars of the first and second degrees, respectively. The center is occupied by a gilded double-headed eagle on a silver disc. Around it sparkles in gold letters the inscription: “Benefit Honor and Glory” (it is red and sets it off perfectly). These words symbolize the motto of this award. The motto, by the way, is taken from the prototype. A pointed star completes the ensemble. On the reverse side, at the bottom, a number is stamped. The sign is made in the form of a cross. His sticks expand from the center to the periphery. On the contour they have a gilded edging. Inside the piping, the background is magenta. The center of the badge is decorated with a convex gilded coat of arms - a double-headed eagle. The motto is repeated in the center of the back side, and below it is the number of the award. Signs of all levels look the same. They differ in size and type of wearing. The cross of degree 4 is worn on a block attached to the chest, the rest on a special ribbon hung around the neck.
Dimensional specifications
Linear dimensions of the cross and ribbon:
- 60 mm - the length of the vertical and horizontal cross sticks, 100 mm - the width of the ribbon (Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 1st degree);
- 50 mm - the length of the cross sticks, 45 mm - ribbon (Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd degree);
- 40 mm - sticks, 24 mm - ribbon (order of the 3rd degree);
- 40mm and 24mm - respectively, the 4th degree.
For outstanding achievements in the military industry, two crossed swords are added to the bar and cross ring.
First winners
Over the years of the award's existence, more than four thousand people have become its laureates. More than thirty - full gentlemen of all levels. The first two laureates: M. T. Kalashnikov (1919 -2013) - a great weapons designer and D. I. Kozlov (1919-2009) - the greatest designer of the space and rocket industry. The first full laureate is E. S. Stroev (b. 1937), politician, doctor of economic sciences, member of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Privileges for award holders
The Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" benefits, automatically accrued, does not imply. However, there is another option.
The presence of this award in the list of awards gives its owner the right to receive the title of "Veteran of Labor" with all the benefits. There is, of course, one "but" - you need sufficient work experience (25 years for men, 20 for women, or according to length of service).
