Medal and Order of Merit for the Fatherland

The secret of the question of the origin of awards is hidden in the deep past. The first signs of reward were introduced in ancient Rome. This distinctive symbolism was made in the form of a medallion. The Romans called it "phaler". Science, which studies awards, is called - "faleristics."

The origins of the concept of "Order"

Then the orders appeared. Previously, they were not like the usual rewards. Initially, the Order is a society of people, distinguished by special characteristics, for example, by an estate, title, way of life or beliefs. The Crusaders made stripes in the form of a cross. This was a sign of the difference between their community and belonging to the order. To enter the order was allowed only to representatives of the nobility, who had properly manifested themselves. Therefore, admission to the Order was considered an encouragement. Over time, the patches were transformed into separate objects. Now they can be worn around the neck or fastened to the chest. So there were well-known distinctive signs (medals and medals).

Birth of state awards

02.03.92 - the date of birth of the "state" awards in post-Soviet Russia. On this March day in the Presidium of the Supreme Council was issued an appropriate decree. In 2013, the same position was issued, which continues to operate today. It classifies the gratification and regulates everything that is associated with them. According to the document, titles (higher and honorary), medals, orders and other personal rewards are used to encourage laureates.

Degrees of medals and orders

Such distinctive objects as medals or medals are often issued with a difference in degrees. These solemn promotions are handed out consistently, according to seniority: first the lower, then the more honorable.

1994 was marked by the introduction of several state awards of the highest degree of honor. A particularly important position among them was occupied and still retains the Order of Merit for the Fatherland (Decree 442 of 02.03.94). It is presented by the head of state twice a year.

How to get distinctive awards?

Such an honor can be enjoyed by people who have the citizenship of Russia and some other countries, for particularly notable actions, such as:

• Strengthening of Russian statehood;
• Progressive growth of the social and economic component of the state;
• Introduction of innovations in the scientific and research fields;
• The spread of art;
• Popularization of culture;
• Achievement of brilliant sports records;
• Maintenance of interaction and solidarity of people all over the world;
• Development of comprehensive state defense.

The degrees (significance levels) of the Order "For Services to the Fatherland" - four. By seniority: from the first to the fourth. Then follows the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland. She has two levels of significance. The eldest is the first. Become a person awarded the highest award, you can by receiving first a medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland (both levels).

Extraordinary rewarding

However, there are exceptional situations, when the heroes of the Russian Federation, the acting order-bearers of other higher awards, "people's" actors, singers, etc. are awarded out of turn. In addition, the President of the Russian Federation has the right to the extraordinary appropriation of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland to people who do not have other government awards or high ranks in their assets.

The complete set includes: the certificate, a sign with колодкой, a star and straps with tapes. And in the set of the first two levels there is a sign and a star, and the last two - only a sign.

Appearance of distinctive awards

Creator of the external appearance of the Order "For Services to the Fatherland" and a large number of other Russian gratifications was E.I. Uhnalev (1931-2015) - a famous artist. Thanks to his talent, each part of the set is a work of "phaler" art. The prototype of this award was the Order of St. Vladimir, which was given 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 of stars of the first and second degrees, respectively. The center is occupied by a gilded two-headed eagle on a disk of silver. Around him glittered in gold letters the inscription: "The Benefit of Honor and Glory" (it is red and perfectly shades it). 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, below, a number is knocked out. The sign is made in the form of a cross. His sticks extend from the center to the periphery. On the contour they have a gilded edging. Inside the cunt is a magenta background. The center of the sign is decorated with a convex gilded coat of arms - a two-headed eagle. In the center of the back side the motto repeats, and under it the number of the award. Signs of all levels look the same. They differ in size and type of wearing. A cross of degree 4 is worn on a shoe attached to the chest, the rest on a special ribbon, hung around the neck.

Dimensional characteristics

Linear dimensions of cross and tape:

• 60 mm - the length of the vertical and horizontal cross sticks, 100 mm - the width of the ribbon (the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 1st degree) ;
• 50 mm - length of cross sticks, 45 mm - ribbon (Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd degree);
• 40 mm - sticks, 24 mm - tape (Order of the third degree);
• 40 mm and 24 mm - respectively, 4-th degree.

With outstanding accomplishments in the military industry, two crossed swords are added to the bar and the cross ring.

The first laureates

Over the years of the prize, more than four thousand people have become its laureates. More than thirty - full cavaliers of all levels. The first two laureates: M.T. Kalashnikov (1919 -2013 gg.) - a great weapons designer and D.I. Kozlov (1919-2009 gg.) - the greatest designer of the space and rocket industry. The first full-fledged winner is E.S. Stroev (born 1937), politician, doctor of economic sciences, member of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Benefits for owners of awards

Order "For Service to the Fatherland" benefits, automatic accrued, does not imply. However, there is another option.

The presence in the list of awards of this award gives its owner the right to receive the title "Veteran of Labor" with all relying benefits. There is, of course, one "but" - you need a sufficient work experience (25 years - men, 20 - women, or seniority).