All states have their own award legislation. Russia with its centuries-old history deserves special mention in the field of encouraging citizens of the country. This is expressed in recognition of the merits of a person, understanding of the benefits brought to society. Each award contributes to the further stimulation of the processes of formation of new directions in improving the life of the state.
In 1992, the government of the Russian Federation issued a decree that contained a list of orders and medals to award worthy candidates for their great successes. The developers tried to preserve age-old values in the preparation of awards, take into account the traditions of the award system of the Russian Empire and the RSFSR. After two years, the president gave an order to amend and supplement this list, where the main award of the country was the Order of Merit for the Fatherland.
Purpose of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland"
After the separation of the USSR and the approval of the new Constitution, the government of the Russian Federation raised the question of improving the award system, which would reflect the centuries-old history of the state and correspond to the ideas of modern society.
According to the decree of the head of state dated 03.03.1994, No. 442, the Order for Merit to the Fatherland became the highest award of the Russian Federation. This decree also included the distribution of preferential conditions for persons matching such a high incentive.
The list of citizens who deserve a high award
Award list of citizens:
- socially active participants in the development of society;
- citizens who have made a significant contribution to improving the improvement of the state economy;
- ministers of culture and art;
- outstanding athletes;
- researchers in the field of research;
- citizens who have peaceful and friendly relations with other states;
- people who spend tremendous energy to develop and strengthen the defense of the state.
The Order of Merit to the Fatherland has its historical roots since the 18th century. This connection is visible if you pay attention to the motto that is on the award: "Benefit, honor and glory." Empress Catherine introduced this saying in 1782 at the Order of St. Vladimir, which she herself established.
Charter
The reward system continued to change. In this regard, on September 7, 2010, the President of the Russian Federation issued decree No. 1099, which provided for the improvement of the award system. The document consisted of many provisions on state awards. They included the rules for receiving, storing, inheriting and the correct system for placing orders and medals. The Order of Merit for the Fatherland also received amendments and additions to the charter and description.
Today, in connection with the editing of the charter, the award exists in four degrees. The first is the highest. As a rule, in the beginning, those who are worthy are awarded the fourth degree. However, before the recipient is awarded the order, he must be awarded the medal "For Merit to the Fatherland."
An exception to the rule are:
- Heroes of the Russian Federation.
- Citizens with merit in various fields of work.
- Heroes of social. labor.
- Heroes of the former USSR.
And:
- Citizens with the honorary title of "People".
- Order of Ushakov.
- Order of Alexander Nevsky.
- Order of Suvorov or St. George.
The President of the Russian Federation may put forward a proposal to award the order to a person who has not previously received any state awards. Each award has differences in appearance. The ceremony of awarding the order and the medal takes place twice a year: during the celebration of Constitution Day and Independence Day of Russia. Those who distinguished themselves during the hostilities are awarded the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, with an additional element of symbolism - two crossed swords.
Description
The author of the design decision of the order was the artist Evgeny Ukhnalev. The main material is silver plated with gold. The front side is made in the form of a straight cross, covered with purple enamel with gilded edges and a two-headed crowned eagle in the center. To award the military, additional differences are provided - two crossed swords. On the reverse side of the order is written the saying "Benefit, honor and glory."
The star "For Merit to the Fatherland" is made of pure silver with eight rays and a medallion that contains the image of the coat of arms of the Russian state. On its edges the same saying is written as on the order. A star is attached to clothes with a pin.
A small historical note
An interesting fact is that the saying “Benefits of honor and glory” was written without a comma since the time of Empress Catherine, however, they did not correct the punctuation error, but left it as a recognition of the symbolism of the imperial palace.
The order of placement on clothes
All country awards in the form of an order and a medal provide for proper wearing in accordance with established standards. The basis for the order of wearing awards was the method that was present in imperial Russia - on a special tape.
The high award represents the various characteristics of the types of ribbons. These include:
- Color and fabric. The tape is made of silk fabric with a moire (bandage) of burgundy color.
- Tapes with a width of 100 mm belong to the first degree, 45 mm to the second degree, 24 mm to the third.
- The method of wearing the reward has two positions: shoulder and cervical.
The order, according to established standards, should be placed above other available awards on the left side. For permanent wear, there is a miniature copy of this award in the size of only 16 mm.
Degrees and types of state awards
There is a clear subordination of state awards for a special contribution to the country's life.
- The first category of distinction is a medal. It provides for two degrees, and it is awarded, as a rule, to the military, who distinguished themselves in hostilities.
- The second category is the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, which has four degrees. The highest of them is I degree.
Orders of the I and II degrees involve the wearing of a star and a sign, the third and fourth degrees - only orders. The award sequence is from the fourth degree to the first. A person who has a medal of the first degree and has shown himself again is awarded the order of the fourth degree.
Other state awards
State awards are not limited to the Order of Merit to the Fatherland. Their number is due to the outstanding merits of citizens to the homeland. A special place in the list of awards is occupied by the Order of Military Merit. This award is awarded to the military, ensuring the security of the state, and it is also awarded for selfless performance of duty, courage and courage. The order is awarded only to military officers.
The Order of Military Merit provides for rewarding for achievements of military success, excellent combat readiness of various kinds of troops.
The award includes the Order of Merit 3 degrees. It is awarded to individuals who have made a useful contribution to various spheres of the life of the state.
The Order of Labor Merit has five titles. These include:
- Order of the Red Banner of Labor and Labor Glory.
- Order of Lenin, October Revolution and Order of the Badge of Honor.
State awards of the Russian Federation are the main indicator of the people's achievements in the development and improvement of their native country.