The Cross of Recognition ( lv, Atzinības krusts) is a

state decoration A state decoration is an object, such as a medal or the insignia of an Order (distinction), order, that is awarded by a sovereign state to honor the recipient. The term includes: *Civil awards and decorations *Military awards and decorations See ...

Latvia Latvia ( or ; lv, Latvija ; ltg, Latveja; liv, Leţmō), officially the Republic of Latvia ( lv, Latvijas Republika, links=no, ltg, Latvejas Republika, links=no, liv, Leţmō Vabāmō, links=no), is a country in the Baltic region of ...

History

The decoration was established in 1710 in the

Duchy of Courland and Semigallia The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia ( la, Ducatus Curlandiæ et Semigalliæ; german: Herzogtum Kurland und Semgallen; lv, Kurzemes un Zemgales hercogiste; lt, Kuršo ir Žiemgalos kunigaikštystė; pl, Księstwo Kurlandii i Semigalii) was ...

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 The Great Northern War (1700–1721) was a conflict in which a coalition led by the Tsardom of Russia successfully contested the supremacy of the Swedish Empire in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. The initial leaders of the anti-Swedi ...

” (''“et in memoriam recuperatae Curlandiae”''). The order was bestowed for outstanding civilian and military accomplishments.State awards. The Cross of Recognition
- Official website of the

President of Latvia The president of Latvia ( lv, Latvijas Valsts prezidents ) is head of state and commander-in-chief of the Latvian National Armed Forces, National Armed Forces of the Latvia, Republic of Latvia. The term of office is four years. Before 1999, it w ...

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. The Cross of Recognition was reestablished by the

Republic of Latvia Latvia ( or ; lv, Latvija ; ltg, Latveja; liv, Leţmō), officially the Republic of Latvia ( lv, Latvijas Republika, links=no, ltg, Latvejas Republika, links=no, liv, Leţmō Vabāmō, links=no), is a country in the Baltic region of ...

in 1938. Five classes of the order and three medals of honour were introduced, as well as a separate first level for the medal. 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. It is awarded to Latvians and foreigners for special services in public, cultural, science, sports and education.

The ranks

References

External links

State Decorations of Latvia
{{Latvian honours Orders, decorations, and medals of Latvia Duchy of Courland and Semigallia