Official translation

REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

LAW

ON STATE AWARDS

18 June 2002, No. IX-957
Vilnius

(As amended by 27 May 2003, No. IX-1587)

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Purpose of the Law

The Law shall define State awards of Lithuania, the structure of badges of the awards, establish the procedure of bestowal, wearing, withdrawal of orders, medals and other decorations, as well as the rights of the awarded persons.

Article 2. Main Definitions of the Law

1. ”Badges of awards” means physical expression of State awards: orders, medals and other decorations.

2. “Substitutes for badges of the awards” means substitutes for badges of the awards which are worn in place of such badges: barrets, miniatures, rosettes of the set form and colour.

3. “Standard” means a sample of an order, medal or another decoration approved by the President of the Republic according to which the said badges of awards are made.

4. “Wings” means a golden or silver barret used to indicate a class in the substitutes for badges of the awards.

5. “Collar” means a distinguishing mark of the Order of Vytautas the Great of the highest Class.

6. “Sash” means a moiré sash to which the Grand Cross is attached.

7. “Barret” means an agreed mark made of a breast ribbon to indicate a class of the order.

8. “Ribbon” means a moiré ribbon in the colours of the sash for the order to which the Grand Cross of Commander and the Cross of Commander are attached.

9. “Breast ribbon” means a moiré ribbon in the colours of the sash of the order to which the Cross of Officer and the Cross of the Knight are attached.

10. “Bearer” means a person presented with the order.

11. “Bow” means a sash or ribbon of the order knotted in a particular fashion.

12. “Cross” means the main part of the State orders.

13. “Class” means a grade of the State order.

14. “Medal” means a State award conferred for merits.

15. “Miniature” means a reduced version of an order, medal or another decoration.

16. “Moiré” means silk woven in a special manner.

17. “Order” means a State award conferred for special merits.

18. “Grand Master of the Orders” means an officer making arrangements with regard to State awards.

19. “Draft” means graphical and colour variants of the order, medal or another State award, approved officially, according to which a standard is made.

20. “Rosette” means an agreed mark made of the breast ribbon to indicate a class of the order.

21. “The Council for the State Awards” means a public consultative institution appointed by the President of the Republic for consideration of issues pertaining to State awards.

22. “The Flag of the Order of the Cross of Vytis” means a flag of a military unit, city or another settlement decorated with the sash of the Order of the Cross of Vytis.

23. “Star” means a constituent part of orders of the highest classes.

CHAPTER II

STATE AWARDS OF LITHUANIA

FIRST SECTION

STATE ORDERS, MEDALS AND OTHER DECORATIONS

Article 3. Purpose of State Orders, Medals and other Decorations

State orders, medals and other decorations shall be awarded to honour the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, stateless persons and foreign nationals for their merits.

Article 4. State Awards, their Drafts and Standards

1. State awards - orders, medals and other decorations bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic.

2. The Orders shall be as follows:

1) the Order of Vytautas the Great;

2) the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

3) the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

4) the Order for Merits to Lithuania.

3. Insignia of the Orders shall be as follows:

1) the order with the golden collar (only the Order of Vytautas the Great);

2) the Grand Cross (First Class Order);

3) the Grand Cross of Commander (Second Class Order);

4) the Cross of Commander (Third Class Order);

5) the Cross of Officer (Fourth Class Order);

6) the Cross of the Knight (Fifth Class Order).

4. Medals and other decorations shall be as follows:

1) the Flag of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

2) the Life Saving Cross;

3) the Medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

4) the Medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

5) the Medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

6) the Medal of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

7) the Commemorative Medal of 13 January.

5. Drafts and standards of the State orders, medals and other decorations of Lithuania shall be approved by the President of the Republic.

Article 5. Awarding of the President of the Republic

The President of the Republic shall, upon starting to hold his office, presented with the highest State award of Lithuania – the Order of Vytautas the Great with the golden collar. Following the oath, the President of the Republic shall be awarded the Order by the Chairman of the Seimas.

Article 6. Bearers of the Orders and their Rights

1. Persons presented with any of the State orders of Lithuania shall be referred to as bearers of that order.

2. Each award shall be entered in the service record or personal file of the awarded person.

3. Bearers of orders and persons presented with medals or other decorations shall enjoy the right to use marks of honour of the awards on their personal stamps, business cards and personalised forms.

4. Persons awarded the State orders, medals and other decorations of Lithuania prior to the entry into force of this Law shall enjoy the same rights as the persons awarded in accordance with this Law.

Article 7. Order of Precedence of State Orders, Medals and other Decorations

The order of precedence of State orders, medals and other decorations shall be as follows:

1) the Order of Vytautas the Great with the golden collar;

2) the Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

3) the Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

4) the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

5) the Grand Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

6) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

7) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

8) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

9) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

10) the Cross of Commander of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

11) the Cross of Commander of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

12) the Cross of Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

13) the Cross of Commander of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

14) the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

15) the Cross of Officer of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

16) the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

17) the Cross of Officer of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

18) the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

19) the Cross of the Knight of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

20) the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

21) the Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

22) the Life Saving Cross;

23) the Medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

24) the Medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

25) the Medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

26) the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

27) the Commemorative Medal of 13 January.

SECOND SECTION

OFFICIAL IN CHARGE OF THE STATE ORDERS OF LITHUANIA

AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE STATE AWARDS

Article 8. Official in Charge of the State Orders of Lithuania

1. The chief administrator of the State orders, medals and other decorations of  Lithuania shall be the Grand Master of the State Orders of Lithuania (hereinafter referred to as the “Grand Master of the Orders”), who shall act in accordance with the regulations approved by the President of the Republic. He shall be the Head of the Presidential Administration.

2. The Grand Master of the Orders shall have his own seal.

3. Works relating to the issues of orders, medals and other decorations shall be carried out in the Office of the President of the Republic. One employee of the Office shall be appointed administrator of the State decorations.

4. The Grand Master of the Orders shall carry out the following works:

1) to keep the drafts and standards of orders, medals and other decorations, approved by the President of the Republic;

2) to check if recommendations for the bestowal of awards meet the requirements of laws;

3) to convene meetings of the Council for the State Awards;

4) to draw up decrees of the President of the Republic regarding awards;

5) to organise ceremonial bestowal of awards;

6) to issue duplicate copies of documents of awarding and badges of the awards;

7) to arrange lists of the awarded persons, other documents relating to awards and minutes of  the Council for the State Awards;

8) to take care of manufacturing of badges of the awards;

9) to set a procedure for the return of badges of the awards and documents of awarding when the persons refuse to accept State awards and are struck off the list of the awarded persons.

Article 9. The Council for the State Awards

1. The Council for the State Awards (hereinafter referred to as the “Council for the Awards”) shall be a public consultative institution dealing with the issues pertaining to State awards. The Council for the Awards shall function in accordance with the regulations approved by the President of the Republic.

2. The President of the Republic shall set up the Council for the Awards for a period of three years from nine bearers of the orders – citizens of the Republic of Lithuania. For the first time three members shall be appointed for a period of one year, three – for a period of two years, three – for a period of three years. The Council for the Awards shall each year be supplemented with three new members following the principle of rotation. The Council members shall elect the chairman of the Council for the Awards for a period of three years. He shall preside over meetings of the Council for the Awards. In the event of absence of the chairman of the Council for the Awards, another member of this Council shall, upon his instruction, preside over the meetings.

3. The Council for the Awards shall consider the candidatures nominated for awarding, other issues relating to awards, and submit its conclusions to the President of the Republic.

4. Meetings of the Council for the Awards shall be closed, voting may be secret, and in the event of a tie vote, the chairman shall have the casting vote.

5. If the President of the Republic attends a meeting of the Council for the Awards, he shall preside over this meeting, but shall not vote.

THIRD SECTION

PROCEDURE OF THE BESTOWAL OF STATE AWARDS

Article 10. Occasions for Awarding

1. State orders, medals and other decorations shall be bestowed by the President of the Republic on 16 February – Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania, and 6 July – Day of the State (Coronation of King Mindaugas).

2. In special cases awards may be presented at different time.

Article 11. Procedure of Nominating Candidates for Awarding

1. The following shall be entitled to nominate to the President of the Republic candidates to be awarded orders, medals and other decorations:

1) the Government – the Grand Crosses of the Order of Vytautas the Great and the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, the Grand Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania, and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis, the Grand Cross of Commander of the Cross of Vytis;

2) the Chairman of the Seimas and his deputies, the Prime Minister, the members of the Government – the Order of Vytautas the Great, the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas and the Order for Merits to Lithuania of other classes and medals thereof;

3) the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of the Interior – the Cross of Commander, the Cross of Officer and the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Cross of Vytis, as well as the medal of this Order.

2. Candidatures of foreign nationals nominated for the bestowal of the orders, medals and other decorations, must be co-ordinated with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.

3. Enterprises, agencies, organisations and citizens may nominate to the State institutions and officers specified in Paragraph 1 of this Article the candidates for awarding.

4. The President of the Republic may award State orders, medals and other decorations even without the recommendation of the State institutions and officers specified paragraph 1 of this Article.

5. Nominations shall be submitted to the Grand Master of the Orders not later than two months prior to the day of awarding. They shall include each candidate’s biography, description of merits, data on the previous State awards received, indication of the type of the award to which the candidate is presented, as well as a copy of the identity document. Organisations, institutions and officers nominating the persons for a state award shall be responsible for the accuracy of the data of such persons.

Article 12. Consideration of Nominations for Awards

1. Nominations for awarding State orders, medals and other decorations shall be considered in the Council for the Awards. Its conclusions shall be presented to the President of the Republic.

2. The President of the Republic may bestow awards even without the consideration by the Council for the Awards.

Article 13. Order of Precedence of State Awards

1. Orders shall be bestowed in succession – beginning with the awards of the lowest class: the Cross of the Knight, the Cross of Officer, the Cross of Commander, the Grand Cross of Commander, and the Grand Cross.

2. In the exceptional cases the President of the Republic may bestow the order of any class.

3. The order of the same class shall not be bestowed for the second time.

4. Persons may be awarded another State order of Lithuania or the same order but of higher class not earlier than three years after the last bestowal, except bestowal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis and the Life Saving Cross.

Article 14. Restrictions on State Awards

1. Persons sentenced for deliberate crimes may not be nominated for awarding.

2. Such requirements shall not apply in respect of the Order of the Cross of Vytis, the medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis, and the Life Saving Cross.

Article 15. Badges and Documents Accompanying State Awards

1. The awarded persons shall be presented with the badges of awards and awarding documents.

2. Awarding documents shall be as follows:

1) decree of the President of the Republic (copy or extract);

2) diploma of the order signed by the President of the Republic and approved with his seal;

3) certificate of the medal or another decoration signed by the Grand Master of the Orders and approved with his seal.

3. Badges of State awards shall be numbered. The number of the badge of an award shall be entered in the diploma of the order, the certificate of the medal and another decoration, given to the awarded person.

Article 16. Bestowal of State Awards

1. The President of the Republic or a person authorised by him shall bestow State awards in a solemn ceremony.

2. If a person to be awarded dies prior to the awarding, the badge of an award and documents of awarding may be presented to his family members and close relatives.

Article 17. Duplicate Copies of Badges of Awards and Documents

1. In the event of the loss of documents of the State award, duplicate copies of such documents, approved by the Grand Master of the Orders, may be issued upon the request of the awarded person.

2. Those awarded persons who lost the badges of the awards, may acquire duplicate copies of such badges by submitting an application to the Grand Master of the Orders. It must indicate the circumstances pertaining to the loss of the badge confirmed by the document issued by the court and establishing a juridical fact. Upon paying the price of the badge of the award, the Grand Master of the Orders shall present its duplicate copy which is marked appropriately.

Article 18. Withdrawal and Forfeiture of State Awards

1. If the deeds of the awarded persons degrade the name of such persons, the President of the Republic may struck the said persons off the list of the bearers of the orders or the persons awarded the medals or other decorations.

2. The persons awarded the State orders, medals and other decorations, who refuse to accept the award bestowed, shall, after establishing a fact of refusal to accept, be struck by the President of the Republic off the list of the awarded persons upon recommendation of the Grand Master of the Orders.

3. Persons struck off the list of the bearers of the orders or the persons awarded the medals and other decorations must return the badges conferred upon them and the documents of awarding to the Grand Master of the Orders. Such persons shall forfeit the rights granted by the awards.

FOURTH SECTION

PROCEDURE OF WEARING BADGES OF THE AWARDS

Article 19. Order of Wear of Badges of the Awards

1. Badges of the awards shall be worn in the following order:

1) State orders, medals and other decorations of Lithuania or their substitutes;

2) orders, medals and other decorations of foreign states and their substitutes;

3) badges of the awards of State institutions and public organisations of Lithuania.

2. Orders, medals and other decorations of Lithuania, among them those which were awarded prior to the entry into force of this Law, shall be worn in the following order:

1) the Order of Vytautas the Great with the golden collar;

2) the Grand Cross of the Cross of Vytis;

3) the Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

4) the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

5) the Grand Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

6) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

7) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

8) the Grand Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas;

9) the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

10) the Cross of Commander of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

11) the Cross of Commander of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

12) the Cross of Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

13) the Cross of Commander of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

14) the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

15) the Cross of Officer of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

16) the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

17) the Cross of Officer of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

18) the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

19) the Cross of the Knight of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

20) the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

21) the Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

22) the Cross of Vytis of the First Class (is no longer conferred);

23) the Cross of Vytis of the Second Class (is no longer conferred);

24) the Cross of Vytis of the Third Class (is no longer conferred);

25) the Life Saving Cross;

26) the medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

27) the medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great;

28) the medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

29) the medal of the Order for Merits to Lithuania;

30) the medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great of the First Class (is no longer conferred);

31) the medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas of the First Class (is no longer conferred);

32) the medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great of the Second Class (is no longer conferred);

33) the medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas of the Second Class (is no longer conferred);

34) the medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great of the Third Class (is no longer conferred);

35) the medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas of the Third Class (is no longer conferred);

36) the Medal of Founding Volunteers of the Lithuanian Army (conferred by the Minister of National Defence);

37) the Medal of the Independence of Lithuania (is no longer conferred);

38) the Commemorative Medal of 13 January;

39) the Star of the Riflemen (conferred by the Minister of National Defence);

40) the medal of the Star of the Riflemen (conferred by the Minister of National Defence);

41) the Medal of Darius and Girėnas (conferred by the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Transport and Communications).

3. The procedure of wearing of badges of the awards shall be approved by the President of the Republic.

Article 20. Substitutes for Badges of the Awards

1. One of the following substitutes for badges of the awards may be worn in place of State orders, medals and other decorations: a barret, miniature, rosette.

2. Barrets shall be pinned only on the uniform, miniatures – only on the formal wear, rosettes – on the informal wear.

Article 21. Restrictions on the Wearing of Badges of the Awards

The following persons shall be prohibited from wearing State orders, medals and other decorations and their substitutes:

1) persons sentenced to imprisonment;

2) persons upon whom a preventive measure – detention, has been imposed.

CHAPTER III

STATUTES OF STATE AWARDS

FIRST SECTION

STRUCTURE OF BADGES OF THE AWARDS AND THEIR SUBSTITUTES

Article 22. Structure of Badges of the Awards

The badges of the Orders shall comprise:

1) the Grand Cross – the Cross is attached to the bow of the sash (the sash is worn over the right shoulder), the Star is worn on the left side of the chest;

2) the Grand Cross of Commander – the Cross is attached to the neck ribbon (for women – on the bow worn on the left side of the chest), the Star is worn on the left side of the chest;

3) the Cross of Commander – the Cross is attached to the neck ribbon (for women – on the bow worn on the left side of the chest);

4) the Cross of Officer – the Cross is attached to the breast ribbon with the rosette;

5) the Cross of the Knight – the Cross is attached to the breast ribbon.

Article 23. Structure of Substitutes for Badges of Awards

1. Substitutes for badges of awards shall be as follows: a barret, miniature and rosette.

2. The barrets shall made from breast ribbons of the orders. They shall be 32 mm long and 10 mm wide. Classes of the orders shall be marked on the barrets in the following manner:

1) the Order with the golden collar – a barret with the rosette from the breast ribbon of the order with the royal crown on the golden wings;

2) the Grand Cross – a barret with the rosette from the breast ribbon of the order on the golden wings;

3) the Grand Cross of Commander – a barret with the rosette from the breast ribbon of the order on the golden and silver wings;

4) the Cross of Commander – a barret with the rosette from the breast ribbon of the order on the silver wings;

5) the Cross of Officer – a barret with the rosette from the breast ribbon (except the Order of the Cross of Vytis the barret of which has to two silver oak leaves clusters);

6) the Cross of the Knight – a barret from the breast ribbon of the order (except the Order of the Cross of Vytis the barret of which has one silver oak leaves cluster);

7) a silver star is pinned on the barret of the medal of the orders (except the barret with swords of the medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great – small silver swords are pinned on it);

8) the barret of the Life Saving Cross is made from the breast ribbon of the badge of the award (a person awarded the Life Saving Cross for the second time wears a golden star pinned on the barret).

3. Miniatures – reduced badges of the awards (15–20 mm high) – pinned on the breast ribbons of the orders and medals. Classes of the orders shall be marked in the miniatures in the same fashion as in the barrets. The miniature of the Order with the golden collar – a reduced badge of the order, suspended from the central link of the collar.

4. Rosettes shall be made from breast ribbons of the orders. Classes of orders shall be marked on them in the following manner:

1) the Order with the golden collar – 8-mm-diameter rosette with the royal crown on the golden wings;

2) the Grand Cross – 8-mm-diameter rosette on the golden wings;

3) the Grand Cross of Commander – 8-mm-diameter rosette on the silver and golden wings;

4) the Cross of Commander – 8-mm-diameter rosette on the silver wings;

5) the Cross of Officer – 8-mm-diameter rosette;

6) the Cross of the Knight – breast ribbon of the order, 3 mm wide and 20 mm long (for women – the bow).

5. Medals of the orders and other decorations shall not have rosettes.

SECOND SECTION

STATUTE OF THE ORDER OF VYTAUTAS THE GREAT

Article 24. Bestowal of the Order of Vytautas the Great

The Order of Vytautas the Great shall be bestowed on the heads of Lithuania and foreign states, as well as their citizens for exceptional merits to the State of Lithuania.

Article 25. Structure of the Order of Vytautas the Great

1. The Order of Vytautas the Great shall have five classes and an additional class – the Order with the golden collar. It is the highest State award of Lithuania.

2. Badges of the Order of Vytautas the Great shall be as follows: the Order with the golden collar, the Grand Cross, the Grand Cross of Commander, the Cross of Commander, the Cross of Officer and the Cross of the Knight.

3. The Order with the golden collar shall consist of:

1) the collar – consisting of links decorated with motifs of the double cross and stylised letter V; the central link units both ends of it, the form and ornaments of which are borrowed from the Seal of Vytautas the Great; the Cross of the Order is suspended from this collar;

2) the Cross – golden, covered with white enamel, 50 mm long. A stylised horseman on the obverse, on the red shield. The grand crown of dukes above the shield. On the reverse – the same shield with the stylised letter V in the middle. At the ends of the crossbar of the Cross – the years of the rule of Vytautas the Great, 1392–1430. The golden royal crown with three crystal stones shall be placed above the Cross;

3) the Star – golden, with nine rays, 85 mm in diameter. In the middle of it, on the red enamel – the reduced Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great with the golden crown atop;

4) the sash – white moiré, 100 mm wide (for women – 65 mm wide), with two orange stripes on the edges.

4. The Grand Cross of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Order with the golden collar;

2) the Star – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, silver, with blue enamel centre;

3) the sash – same as that of the Order with the golden collar.

5. The Grand Cross of the Order of Commander shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Order with the golden collar;

2) the star – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, silver, with the black enamel centre;

3) the ribbon – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, but 40 mm wide.

6. The Cross of Commander of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Order with the golden collar;

2) the ribbon – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, but 40 mm wide.

7. the Cross of Officer of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, but 42 mm long;

2) the breast ribbon – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, but 32 mm wide with the rosette.

8. The Cross of the Knight of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, but 42 mm long;

2) the breast ribbon – same as that of the Order with the golden collar, but 32 mm wide.

Article 26. Medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great

1. The medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great shall be conferred on the persons for their merits to the State of Lithuania.

2. The medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great – silver, 36 mm in diameter. On the obverse of the medal – the Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great. On the reverse – the royal crown, inscription „Vytautas the Great“ and the years of his rule, 1392–1430. The medal shall be suspended from the 32-mm-wide breast ribbon of the Order of Vytautas the Great.

3. If the person awarded the medal of the Order of Vytautas the Great, has distinguished himself in the battle or at work related to the risk to human life, then crossed silver swords shall be attached to the breast ribbon of the medal.

THIRD SECTION

STATUTE OF THE ORDER OF THE CROSS OF VYTIS

Article 27. Bestowal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis

1. The Order of the Cross of Vytis shall be conferred on the persons who heroically defended Lithuania’s freedom and independence:

1) for extraordinary fortitude, clever conspiracy and command, endurance and self-sacrifice during the fights of armed and unarmed resistance to the 1940–1990 occupation, for Lithuania’s freedom and resistance or during the imprisonment and other repressions;

2) for exceptional determination, self-sacrifice and loyalty to the duty during the restoration of the Statehood of Lithuania in 1988–1990;

3) removing the threat to the Statehood of Lithuania or its integrity after 11 March 1990.

2. This Order may also be conferred on the persons who suffered the death of a hero, as well as posthumously.

3. The Order of the Cross of Vytis shall also be conferred upon for:

1) extraordinary acts of bravery performed during the fights;

2) especially clever command of fighting operations carried out by national defence units;

3) exceptional courage and fortitude when defending the country’s territory, protecting the State border, important national, economic and other civil objects;

4) exceptional bravery during the prevention of ecological disasters, natural disasters, accidents and distinction during other extraordinary circumstances when human life is in danger;

5) extraordinary bravery and fortitude when preserving public order, peace and civil rights and freedoms;

6) valour and self-sacrifice when carrying out State tasks in difficult circumstances and in the event of a great danger;

7) scientific work especially significant for the national defence;

8) especially significant projects related to the organisation of the national defence.

Article 28. Structure of the Order of the Cross of Vytis

1. The Cross of Vytis shall be of five classes.

2. Badges of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall be as follows: the Grand Cross, the Grand Cross of Commander, the Cross of Commander, the Cross of Officer and the Cross of the Knight.

3. The Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall consist of:

1) the Cross – silver, double, 50 mm high and 30 mm wide, covered with black enamel, its edges – with white enamel. In the middle of the obverse – white Vytis on the red shield. The crossed golden swords shall be behind the shield. On the reverse – inscription “For bravery“ and the year when the Order of the Cross of Vytis was instituted - 1919;

2) the Star – silver, nine rays, 85 mm in diameter. In its centre – the reduced Order of the Cross of Vytis;

3) the sash – red moiré, 100 mm wide (for women – 65 mm wide), with four black stripes on the edges.

4. The Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross;

2) the Star – same as that of the Grand Cross;

3) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 40 mm wide.

5. The Cross of Commander of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross;

2) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 40 mm wide.

6. the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross, but 42 mm high and 25 mm wide;

2) the breast ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 32 mm wide, with two silver oak twigs.

7. the Cross of the Knight of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross, but 42 mm high and 25 mm wide;

2) the breast ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 32 mm wide, with one silver oak twig.

Article 29. Medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis

1. The medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall be bestowed for bravery and heroic deeds performed during the fights, for the fortitude, clever conspiracy and command, endurance and self-sacrifice during the fights of armed and unarmed resistance to the 1940–1990 occupation for Lithuania’s freedom and independence or during the imprisonment and other repressions, as well as for determination, self-sacrifice and loyalty to the duty during the restoration of the Statehood of Lithuania in 1988–1990, or when removing the threat to the Statehood or integrity of Lithuania after 11 March 1990, for defending the country’s territory, protection of the state border and other important objects, for prevention of ecological disasters, natural disasters, accidents, for bravery when preserving public order, civil rights and freedoms.

2. The medal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis – silver, 36 mm in diameter. On the obverse – the badge of the Order of the Cross of Vytis. On the reverse – one oak twig, inscription „For bravery“ and the year when it was instituted - 2002. The medal shall be suspended from the 32-mm-wide breast ribbon of the Order.

Article 30. Withdrawal of the Order of the Cross of Vytis

The President of the Republic may withdraw the Order and the medal of the Cross of Vytis in the following cases:

1) when the awarded person is convicted for a grave crime;

2) when the person commits a misdemeanour degrading the name of the awarded.

Article 31. The Flag of the Order of the Cross of Vytis

1. The Order of the Cross of Vytis shall have its flag. It may be bestowed upon national defence units, cities and other settlements for heroic bravery and fortitude when defending the independence and freedom of Lithuania.

2. The Flag of the Order of the Cross of Vytis shall be of two types:

1) the Flag of an army unit with the sash of the Order of the Cross of Vytis. A silver oak twig shall be attached to one end of the sash, and a silver plate with the most important merits listed shall be attached to the other end. On the head of the staff of the Flag – the badge of the Order of the Cross of Vytis. On the ring of the staff of the Flag – the date of bestowal;

2) a flag of a city or another settlement with the sash of the Order of the Cross of Vytis. A silver oak twig shall be on one end, and a silver plate with the merits of citizens of a city or another settlement shall be on the other end. On the head of the staff of the Flag – the badge of the Order of the Cross of Vytis. On the ring of the staff of the Flag – the date of bestowal.

3. Bestowal of the Flag of the Order of the Cross of Vytis, its keeping at the army unit, carrying and place in the formation shall be established in the State of Formation and Military Ceremonies.

4. Flags of the Order of the Cross of Vytis of cities or other settlements shall be kept at local authorities or wards. They may be hoisted in public or carried during public holidays and on remembrance days, as well as during official local holidays.

FOURTH SECTION

STATUTE OF THE ORDER OF

THE LITHUANIAN GRAND DUKE GEDIMINAS

Article 32. Bestowal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas

The Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas shall be bestowed upon the persons for their merits to Lithuania, especially earnest and honest work, public activities.

Article 33. Structure of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas

1. The Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas shall be of five classes.

2. The badges of the Order shall be as follows: the Grand Cross, the Grand Cross of Commander, the Cross of Commander, the Cross of Officer and the Cross of the Knight.

3. The Grand Cross of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – silver, 50 mm long, oxidised in black, the centre is of white enamel, on the stylised golden sun. In the middle of the Cross – red enamel quadrangle with golden edges and silver columns of the Gediminas’ dynasty. The reverse of the Cross shall be the same, but the quadrangle shall contain the years of Gediminas’ rule – 1316-1341, instead of the columns of the Gediminas’ dynasty;

2) the Star – silver, nine rays, 85 mm in diameter. In its centre – the reduced badge of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas;

3) the sash – yellow moiré, 100 mm wide (for women – 65 mm wide), with four dark brown stripes on the edges.

4. The Grand Cross of Commander of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross;

2) the Star – same as that of the Grand Cross;

3) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 40 mm wide.

5. the Cross of Commander of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross;

2) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 40 mm wide.

6. The Cross of Officer of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross, but 42 mm wide;

2) the breast ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 32 mm wide, with the rosette.

7. the Cross of the Order of the Knight shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross, only 42 mm wide;

2) the breast ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 32 mm wide.

Article 34. Medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas

1. The medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas shall be conferred upon the persons who earnestly and honestly perform State and public duties.

2. The medal of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas – silver, 36 mm wide. On the obverse – the badge of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, on the reverse – inscription „Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas “ and the years of his rule - 1316–1341. The medal shall be suspended from the 32-mm-wide breast ribbon of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.

FIFTH SECTION

STATUTE OF THE ORDER FOR MERITS TO LITHUANIA

Article 35. Bestowal of the Order for Merits to Lithuania

1. The Order for Merits to Lithuania shall be bestowed upon the persons for special merits to Lithuania, fostering and development of interstate relations, humanitarian aid to Lithuania, special merits in the public service, and in the fields of culture, science and education, business and production, health and social security, military science, sports, economy, and other fields.

2. In the badge of honour of the Order the field of activities shall be marked on the wreath uniting the Cross and the sash (ribbon and breast ribbon) by a symbol corresponding to a specific field.

Article 36. Structure of the Order for Merits to Lithuania

1. The Order for Merits to Lithuania shall be of five classes.

2. Badges of the Order shall be as follows: the Grand Cross, the Grand Cross of Commander, the Cross of Commander, the Cross of Officer and the Cross of the Knight.

3. The Grand Cross of the Order shall be consist of:

1) the Cross – golden, with five ends, covered with white enamel, 50 mm in diameter. On it – oxidised silver Vytis. Between the ends of the Cross – sun rays. On the reverse: coats of arms of Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys on the ends of the Cross, in the centre – inscription „Pro Lituania“ and the year when the Order was instituted - 2002;

2) the Star – silver, nine rays, 85 mm in diameter. In its centre – the badge of the Order for Merits to Lithuania reduced in size;

3) the sash – red moiré, 100 mm wide (for women – 65 mm wide), with two yellow and green stripes on the edges.

4. The Grand Cross of the Order of Commander shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross;

2) the Star – same as that of the Grand Cross;

3) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 40 mm wide.

5. The Cross of Commander of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross;

2) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, but 40 mm wide.

6. The Cross of Office of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross, but 42 mm long;

2) the ribbon – same as that of the sash of the Grand Cross, but 32 mm wide, with the rosette.

7. The Cross of the Knight of the Order shall consist of:

1) the Cross – same as that of the Grand Cross, but 42 mm long;

2) the ribbon – same as the sash of the Grand Cross, only 32 mm wide.

Article 37. Medal of the Order for Merits to Lithuania

1. The medal of the Order for Merits to Lithuania shall be bestowed upon the persons for merits to Lithuania in the fields of culture, science, education, business, production, health, social security, military science, sports, economy, and in other fields, for humanitarian aid to Lithuania; the said Order shall also be bestowed upon the mothers who gave birth to, raised and brought up properly 7 or more children.

2. The medal of the Order for Merits to Lithuania – silver, 36 mm in diameter. On the obverse of the medal – the badge of the Order for Merits to Lithuania, on the reverse -   the wreath, inscription „Pro Lituania“ and the year when the medal was instituted - 2002. The medal shall be suspended from the 32-mm-wide breast ribbon of the Order for Merits to Lithuania.

SIXTH SECTION

STATUTE OF THE LIFE SAVING CROSS

Article 38. Bestowal of the Life Saving Cross

1. The Life Saving Cross shall be bestowed upon the persons who despite danger to their life, attempted to save life.

2. The Life Saving Cross may be conferred upon the same person several times. Each new bestowal shall be marked with a golden star which is attached to the breast ribbon.

Article 39. Structure of the Life Saving Cross

The Life Saving Cross shall consist of:

1) the Cross – golden, covered with red enamel, 36 mm long. On the obverse, in the centre of the Cross – a wild dove carrying a laurel twig, bellow it – golden letters „SOS“. On the reverse, in the centre – a stylised horseman, encircled in the black ring with the inscription „For life saving “;

2) the breast ribbon – dark red moiré, 32 mm wide, with two wide and two narrow white stripes on the edges.

SEVENTH SECTION

STATUTE OF THE COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL OF 13 JANUARY

Article 40. Bestowal of the Commemorative Medal of 13 January

The Commemorative Medal of 13 January shall be bestowed upon Lithuanian and foreign citizens who distinguished themselves when defending the freedom and independence of Lithuania during January-September 1991.

Article 41. Commemorative Medal of 13 January

The Commemorative Medal of 13 January shall consist of:

1) the Medal – silver, 38 mm in diameter. On the obverse of the Medal – the image of an injured warrior leaning on the angel; in the right hand of the warrior – the shield with the columns of the Gediminas’ dynasty. At the top – inscription „13 January“, at the bottom – „1991“. On the reverse – inscription „Lithuania“, on which in smaller letters - „Were, are and will be”. At the top – Vytis, at the bottom – an oak twig;

2) the breast ribbon – yellow moiré, 32 mm wide, with black and red stripes on the edges and two green stripes in the middle.

CHAPTER IV

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 42. Procedure of Bestowal of the Medal of Founding Volunteers of the Lithuanian Army, the Star of Riflemen and the Medal of the Star of Riflemen

The Medal of Founding Volunteers of the Lithuanian Army, the Star of Riflemen and the Medal of the Star of Riflemen shall be bestowed by the Minister of National Defence.

Article 43. Procedure of Bestowal of the Medal of Darius and Girėnas

The Medal of Darius and Girėnas shall be bestowed by the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Transport and Communications.

Article 44. Declaring the Laws Invalid

The following legal acts shall be declared invalid:

1) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Restoration of the Order of the Cross of Vytis;

2) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Orders, Medals and other Decorations;

3) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Instituting the Commemorative Medal of 13 January, and the Amendment and Supplement of the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Orders, Medals and other Decorations;

4) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Instituting the Medal of Darius and Girėnas, and the Amendment and Supplement of the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Orders, Medals and other Decorations;

5) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Amendment of Article 133 of the Law on Orders, Medals and other Decorations;

6) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Amendment of Article 91 of the Law on Orders, Medals and other Decorations;

7) the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Amendment of Articles 95, 96 and 97 of the Law on Orders, Medals and other Decorations.

Article 45. Entry into Force of the Law

This Law shall enter into force after the President of the Republic approves:

1) standards of State orders, medals and other decorations;

2) procedure for wearing State orders, medals and other decorations;

3) regulations of the Council for the State Awards;

4) regulations of the Grand Master for the State Orders of Lithuania.

I promulgate this Law passed by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC                                                 VALDAS ADAMKUS