The Cross of Recognition (Latvian: Atzinības krusts) is a state decoration of Latvia.
| Cross of Recognition Atzinības krusts | |
|---|---|
 Grand Cross of the Cross of Recognition | |
| Type | 5 class Order, with honor medals in 5 grades. |
| Awarded for | Special services in public, cultural, science, sports and education. |
| Presented by |  Latvia |
| Motto | Pour les bonnêtes gens (For people of honour) |
| Established | 1710 Reestablished 1938 Revived 2004 |
 Ribbon bar of the cross | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Viesturs |
| Next (lower) | Medal of Honour of the Order of Three Stars[1] |
History
editThe decoration was established in 1710 in the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia by Duke Frederick William as a symbol of the then-established Order of Recognition (l’Ordre de la Reconnaissance). According to the order's statute, it was established “in thanks to God Almighty for the recovery of Courland after the Great Northern War” (“et in memoriam recuperatae Curlandiae”). The order was bestowed for outstanding civilian and military accomplishments.[2] Frederick William died in January 1711. No more than 18 people were awarded the order and its cross by then. After his death, no further orders were presented.[2]
The Cross of Recognition was reestablished by the Republic of Latvia in 1938. Five classes of the order and three medals of honour were introduced, as well as a separate first level for the medal.[2]
With the beginning of the Soviet occupation of Latvia, the bestowing of the order was halted.
After the restoration of the independence of Latvia, the decoration was restored again as the Cross of Recognition in 2004.[2] It is awarded to Latvians and foreigners for special services in public, cultural, science, sports and education.[3]
The ranks
edit| 1st class | 1st class dames | 2nd class | 2nd class dames |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd class | 3rd class dames | 4th and 5th class | Ribbon bars |
References
edit- ^ "Chapter VIII of the Law on State Honours". president.lv. Latvijas Valsts prezidenta kanceleja. Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
- ^ a b c d State awards. The Cross of Recognition - Official website of the President of Latvia
- ^ Robertson, Megan. "Republic of Latvia: Cross of Recognition". Medals of the World. Retrieved 12 November 2011.