| Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland Order Zasługi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |
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 The Grand Cross of Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland |
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| Awarded by Poland | |
| Type | Five grade order |
| Awarded for | Service in improving relations between nations |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| Established | April 10, 1974 (Revised October 16, 1992) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of the Military Cross |
| Next (lower) | Cross of Valor |
The Order of Merit of The Republic of Poland is a Polish order awarded to those who have rendered great service to the Polish nation. It is granted to foreigners or Poles resident abroad and a such is a traditional 'diplomatic order'. It was created in 1974.
Degrees
The Order is awarded in the following classes:
- Knight of the Grand Cross (1st class)
- Commander with Star (2nd class)
- Commander (3rd class)
- Officer (4th class)
- Knight (5th class)
History
The Order was established by Law of 10 April 1974, as Order of Merit of People's Republic of Poland (Order Zasługi Polskiej Rzeczypospolitej Ludowej). It was awarded in five classes, but they were named: Grand Ribbon of the Order, Commander with Star, Commander, Gold Badge of the Order and Silver Badge of the Order. It was awarded by Polish Council of State.
After a fall of communism in Poland in 1989 it was decided to leave the Order, with necessary changes. Without formal change of Law of 1974 nor Order's name, the insignia were changed by a presidential decree of 16 April 1991 to present ones. An abbreviation "PRL" was changed to "RP", the Eagle was given a crown according to a new Poland's coat of arms, date "1974" was removed from a rear side and ribbon's colour was changed from light cobalt blue to dark cobalt. By the Law of 16 October 1992 it was reestablished with the name Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (Order Zasługi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej). According to this Law, it is awarded to foreigners or Poles resident abroad, for a distinguished contribution to an international cooperation or cooperation between Poland and other countries. It is awarded by President of Poland.
References
- Polish Law of 16 October 1992 (Dz.U. 1992 nr 90 poz. 450) (in Polish)
- Person decorated with "Officer Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland"
- News release that includes persons decorated with "Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland" at president.pl
- Named changed to "ORDER OF MERIT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND" at geocities.com/polishnobles/merit
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| Order of the White Eagle · Virtuti Militari · Polonia Restituta · Order of the Military Cross · Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland · Cross of Valor · Cross of Merit with Swords · Cross of Merit · Cross of Merit for Bravery · Medal for Sacrifice and Courage · Medal for Long Marital Life |
