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There are currently five Italian orders of merit that confer knighthoods in recognition of service to the Italian Republic. Below these are a number of other medals. The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic effectively replaced as national orders the Civil Order of Savoy (1831), the Order of the Crown of Italy (1868, since 1988 Order of Merit of Savoy), the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572) and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (1362), which the sovereign, as Grand Master, did not abdicate and continues to award in exile as fons honorum.[1] Today these continue merely as dynastic orders of the former Royal House of Savoy. Whilst their bestowal is suppressed by law in Italy, the continued use of those decorations conferred prior to 1951 is permitted, exclusive of any right of precedence in official ceremonies.[2] Italian citizens may not use in the territory of the Republic honours or distinctions conferred on them by non-national orders or foreign states, unless authorised by decree President of the Council of Ministers. The use of awards of the Holy See and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre is subject to permission,[3] while the use of those of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is unregulated.
[edit] Order of Merit of the Italian Republic The Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, instituted in 1951, is the highest ranking honour and most senior order. It is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers.[2] Except for exceptional circumstances, no one can be awarded for the first time a rank higher than Knight. The minimum age is normally 35. Investiture takes place on 2 June, anniversary of the foundation of the Republic and on 27 December, anniversary of the promulgation of the Italian Constitution. However, those awards on Presidential motu proprio, related to termination of service or granted to foreigners may be made at any time. The badge bears the inscription Al Merito della Repubblica encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse and Patriae Unitati and Civium Libertati encircling the head of Italia Turrita on the reverse. The five degrees with corresponding ribbons are as follows (with number of awards to December 2006):
The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, as head of the orders of chivalry, on the recommendation of the President of the Council. [edit] Military Order of ItalyMain article: Military Order of Italy The Ordine Militare d'Italia, until 1947 the Ordine Militare di Savoia (1815),[4] is awarded for distinguished wartime conduct of units of the armed forces or individual personnel that has "proven expertise, sense of responsibility and valour." The lowest of its five degrees may also be awarded for peacetime actions. Recipients of the Military Order of Savoy are transferred to the Military Order of Italy and retain their existing insignia and seniority.[5] The badge bears the inscription Al Merito Militare—1855; the Savoy cross and letters V.E. substituted with R.I. and 1947, the date of the promulgation of the constitution. The degrees with ribbons, which may be conferred posthumously, are as follows:
The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence. Today there are just 14 living recipients: five from the Army, three from the Navy and six from the Air Force.[6] [edit] Order of Merit for LabourMain article: Order of Merit for Labour The Ordine al Merito del Lavoro is awarded to those "who have been singularly meritorious" in agriculture, commerce and industry. It was first instituted by Royal Decree on 9 May 1901, replacing the Ordine Cavalleresco al Merito Agrario Industriale e Commerciale which had been created by Royal Decree on 1 March 1898.[7] The order is open to all Italians, at home and overseas. Each year, on 1 June, 25 new Knights of Labour are invested. The badge bears the inscription Al merito del lavoro—1901.
The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Economic Development (successor to the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Craftsmanship). [edit] Order of the Star of Italian SolidarityNot to be confused with Colonial Order of the Star of Italy. The Stella della solidarietà italiana was originally instituted in 1947, to recognise those expatriates and foreigners who made an outstanding contribution to the reconstruction of Italy after World War II.[8] The badge bears the inscription Solidarietà Italiana. The three degrees with ribbons are as follows (with number of awards to December 2006):
The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. [edit] Order of Vittorio VenetoMain article: Order of Vittorio Veneto The Ordine di Vittorio Veneto instituted with a single rank of Knight in 1968, "to express the gratitude of the nation" to those decorated with the Croce al Merito di Guerra who had fought for at least six months in World War I and earlier conflicts.[9] A small annuity is granted in favour of those recipients who do not enjoy an income above their tax allowance.
The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence. Since 2008, however, it lies dormant. [edit] See also[edit] References
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