| |
|---|---|
The Grand Cross of Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland | |
| Type | Five grade order |
| Awarded for | Service in improving relations between nations |
| Country | Poland |
| Presented by | thePresident of Poland |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | 10 April 1974 (Revised 16 October 1992) |
 Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland ribbon | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of the Cross of Independence |
| Next (lower) | Cross of Valour |
TheOrder of Merit of the Republic of Poland (Polish:Order Zasługi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) is a Polishorder of merit created in 1974, awarded to persons who have rendered great service toPoland. It is granted to foreigners or Poles resident abroad.[1] As such, it is sometimes referred to as a traditional "diplomatic order".
The order was established by an act of 10 April 1974, as the Order of Merit of thePolish People's Republic (Order Zasługi Polskiej Rzeczypospolitej Ludowej).[2] The need for the new order had arisen since theOrder of the White Eagle had fallen into disuse after the foundation of the People's Republic. Reflecting this history, the two orders utilized similar colors and designs.[3] The Order of Merit of the Polish People's Republic was awarded in five classes: Grand Cordon of the Order, Commandery with Star, Commandery, Gold Badge of the Order, and Silver Badge of the Order. It was awarded by thePolish Council of State.
After thefall of communism in Poland in 1989, it was decided to retain the order, with necessary changes. Without a formal change of the 1974 act or the name of the order, the insignia were changed to the present ones by a presidential decree of 16 April 1991. The abbreviation "PRL" was changed to "RP," the Eagle was given a crown in accordance with Poland's originalcoat of arms, the date "1974" was removed from the reverse, and the color of the ribbon was changed from lightcobalt blue to dark cobalt.
Under an act of 16 October 1992, the order was reestablished under the name Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (Order Zasługi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej).[1]
Under the 1992 act, the order is awarded to foreigners or Poles resident abroad for distinguished contributions to international cooperation or cooperation between Poland and other countries.[1] It is awarded by thePresident of Poland. Unlike the other national orders of Poland, it does not have a chapter.[4][1]
Recipients of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, the highest award of the class, have includedQueen Elizabeth II,Henry Kissinger, andEdward Mosberg.[5][citation needed][6]
From 1974 to 1991 the Order was awarded in the following classes:
1st class – Grand Cordon of the Order of Merit of thePeople's Republic of Poland
2nd class – Commandery with Star of the Order of Merit of thePeople's Republic of Poland
3rd class – Commandery of the Order of Merit of thePeople's Republic of Poland
4th class – Gold Badge of the Order of Merit of thePeople's Republic of Poland
5th class – Silver Badge of the Order of Merit of thePeople's Republic of PolandSince 1992 the Order is awarded in the following classes:[1][a]
1st class – Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of theRepublic of Poland
2nd class – Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of theRepublic of Poland
3rd class – Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of theRepublic of Poland
4th class – Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of theRepublic of Poland 5th class – Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of theRepublic of Poland
