The National Order of the Cedar (Arabic: وسام الأرز الوطنيWisām al-Arz al-Waṭaniy) is the highest state order of Lebanon, established on 31 December 1936.[1] It is offered in five grades.[2]
History
The Order was created on the 31 December 1936, but is regulated by the Lebanese Code of Decorations as set out in Decree-Law 122 of 12 June 1959.[3] It is awarded, usually, by the President of the Republic of Lebanon, for “great services rendered to Lebanon, for acts of courage and devotion of great moral value, as for years in public service”.
Insignia
The Medal itself consists of a five-pointed white enamel gilt-edged Maltese cross, with stylized green and brown enamel cedars of Lebanon between the arms on a green enamellaurel wreath suspension; the face with a central red enamel medallion inscribed in Arabic ‘Lubnan’ (Lebanon) within an inscribed gilt ring; the reverse with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the red and white enamel national flag of the Republic of Lebanon within an inscribed gilt ring. It has a diameter of 20 mm (¾ inch).
Recipients in selection
2010s
Dr Pierre Daccache, Commander, 2 August 2019
Ghaleb Farha, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Persian Gulf Region, 2018
Charles Corm II, Lebanese entrepreneur and investor – Knight, 2018.
Melhem Barakat, (1942–2016) Lebanese singer and songwriter, 2016
Fouad Naffah, (1925–2017) Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2017
Toni Issa, former Board of Directors of IPT Group, 2014
Ziad Alexandre Hayek, former Secretary General of the High Council for Privatization and PPP, 2014
Walid Jumblatt, Lebanese politician, 2014. Was awarded the medal by President Michel Suleiman "in appreciation for his national role and political moderation and his call for dialogue among political rivals."[5]
Wissam al-Hassan, (1965–2012) Chief of Information Branch – Grand officer, 2012.
Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales, Australia — Grand Cordon, 2012.
Ali Wehbi, "The Lebanese Desert Runner" – Knight, 2012
Ghassan Tueni, (1926–2012) Journalist and politician, 2012.
Salim Ghazal, Melkite Bishop and Champion of Co-Existence in Lebanon, Commander – 2011.
H.E Dr. Mohammed Qubaty, Yemeni Ambassador – Grand Officer, 2007. Was awarded the medal by President Émile Lahoud "in appreciation of his unprecedented role in strengthening Lebanese-Yemeni relations on numerous fronts including economic cooperation on investments, transportation, marine affairs, agriculture and health and organizing the first Lebanese Head of State visit to Yemen in 2004."
Farid G. Mitri, Lebanese Biomedical Researcher, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, - Officer, 2007, and Senior Scientist – Commander, 2018.
Nelly M. Abboud, President Elect and President of Lebanese American Engineers Society, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Environmental Engineering Program at The University of Connecticut – Commander, 2001.
George V. Savvaides, Greek Diplomat – Commander, 2001.
Claude Comair, Co-Founder Nintendo Software Technology, Founder of DigiPen – Commander, 2001.
Carlos Haddad, Lebanese-Brazilian businessman and philanthropist, Grand Officer – 2001.
Larry R. Williams, USMC 1983, Commanding Officer, 10th U.S. Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps political liaison to Lebanese government during bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks, Beirut. - Officer 1983, Ray Rodriguez, (Marine) [Ray Rodriguez], USS Iwo Jima, HMM-162, Beirut, Lebanon, SSGT, Marine, during bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks, - Beirut, Lebanon October 23, 1983.
Grégoire A. Dragatsi, MD, DTM&H, prominent Greek-Lebanese physician and Associate Clinical professor at the American University of Beirut – Knight, 1972.
Zdzisław Wójcik, ambassador of Poland to Lebanon 1965–1971 – Grand Cordon, 1971.
1960s
Edwin Terry Prothro, American Psychologist and Educator, Professor of Psychology at the American University of Beirut – Knight, 1969.
Petar Zdravkovski, ambassador of Yugoslavia to Lebanon 1965–1967 (died in Beirut July 24, 1967), awarded Grand Cordon posthumously, 1967.
Herman Willem Alexander Heldring - Knight, 10 June 1953. [6]
Boulos Lebiane, Lebanese businessman and philanthropist - Officer, 50s.
Howard Charles Wells, American employee of Aramco-Tapline, held in highest esteem for work with national employees from 1947-1958. Knight January 21, 1958. Awarded by Prime Minister of Lebanon, Sami Sohl.
Unknown dates
Dr Karim Azkoul, Lebanese Diplomat and Philosopher[7]
Pierre Mauroy, French Prime Minister (1981–1984) – Grand Cordon.
Abbé Pierre, French Catholic priest and Humanitarian – Officer.
Fayez Sayegh, Palestinian American scholar and civil servant – Knight.
References
^"Suleiman Grants al-Rahi Order of Cedar, Urges Officials to Attend Dialogue". Naharnet. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
^"Lebanon: National Order of the Cedar". Medals. Archived from the original on 28 January 2002. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
^"National Order of the Cedar". Global Security. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
^"AOUN DECORATES UNIFIL COMMANDER WITH NATIONAL CEDAR MEDAL UPON MISSION EN". National News Agency. Ministry of Information Lebanese Republic. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
^"Jumblatt to miss Sleiman in politics". The Daily Star. 24 May 2014. Archived from the original on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
