Estland

Decorations Act
Passed 11 December 1996
(RT1 I 1997, 1, 4),
entered into force 1 March 1997,
amended by the following Acts:
19.06.2002 entered into force 01.09.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387;
17.04.2001 entered into force 01.09.2001 - RT I 2001, 43, 240;
13.05.98 entered into force 07.06.98 - RT I 1998, 47, 699.
Part I
General Provisions
§ 1. Purpose of Act
This Act prescribes the state awards, or decorations (orders), of the Republic of Estonia, provides their classes and description, the bases for the procedure for recommendation for and bestowal, presentation and wearing of decorations, liability for illegal acts committed in respect of decorations and the bases for the procedure for registration and wearing of foreign badges of honour and decorations.
§ 2. Decorations
The following are decorations:
1) the Cross of Liberty;
2) the Order of the National Coat of Arms;
3) the Order of the White Star;
4) the Order of the Cross of the Eagle;
5) the Order of the Estonian Red Cross;
6) the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
§ 3. Cross of Liberty
(1) The Cross of Liberty was instituted in 1919 in order to give recognition for services during the Estonian War of Independence. The Cross of Liberty is a military decoration in the event of war conducted to defend Estonian independence.
(2) Bestowal of the Cross of Liberty was terminated by an Act of 19 June 1925 (RT 1925, 109/110, 53). The Cross of Liberty may be bestowed again in the event of war conducted to defend Estonian independence as of the declaration of a state of war until the entry into force of an Act for termination of the bestowal of the Cross of Liberty.
§ 4. Order of the National Coat of Arms
The Order of the National Coat of Arms was instituted in 1936 in order to commemorate 24 February 1918, the day on which Estonian independence was declared. The Order of the National Coat of Arms is bestowed only on Estonian citizens as a decoration of the highest class for services rendered to the state.
§ 5. Order of the White Star
The Order of the White Star was instituted in 1936 in order to commemorate the fight of the Estonian people for freedom. The Order of the White Star is bestowed on Estonian citizens in order to give recognition for services rendered in state public service or local government and on aliens for services rendered to the Estonian state.f
§ 6. Order of the Cross of the Eagle
The Order of the Cross of the Eagle was instituted in 1928 by the National Defence League to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Estonian independence. The Order of the Cross of the Eagle is bestowed in order to give recognition for military services and services in the field of national defence.
§ 7. Order of the Estonian Red Cross
The Order of the Estonian Red Cross was instituted in 1920 by the Estonian Red Cross Society. The Order of the Estonian Red Cross is bestowed in order to give recognition for humanitarian services rendered in the interests of the Estonian people and for the saving of life.
§ 8. Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana was instituted in 1995 to honour the independence of the Estonian state. The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is bestowed on the President of the Republic and as a decoration of the highest class on aliens who have rendered special services to the Republic of Estonia. Presidents of the Republic who have ceased to hold office shall keep the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
(17.04.2001 entered into force 01.09.2001 - RT I 2001, 43, 240)
Part II
Recommendation for and Bestowal and Presentation of Decorations
§ 9. Bestowal of decorations
(1) The President of the Republic shall bestow decorations on Estonian citizens and aliens for services rendered to the Estonian state and the Estonian people in accordance with law. Decorations may also be bestowed on military units for services in the battlefield.
(2) Decorations may also be bestowed posthumously.
(3) The regular bestowal of decorations shall take place once a year on the occasion of 24 February, Independence Day.
(4) Decorations may also be bestowed and presented at any other time pursuant to the procedure prescribed in this Act in exceptional cases, in connection with a state visit of the President of the Republic or a state visit to Estonia or if a diplomat accredited to Estonia departs from Estonia upon expiry of his or her term of office, or posthumously or in connection with an emergency situation.
(13.05.98 entered into force 07.06.98 - RT I 1998, 47, 699)
(5) In a state of emergency or state of war, the procedure prescribed in this Act for making recommendations for decorations, making propositions and deciding on the bestowal of decorations does not apply to the bestowal of decorations. In a state of emergency or state of war, the President of the Republic may bestow decorations on his or her own initiative and on the basis of a proposal which is made by a person pursuant to the procedure approved by the Government of the Republic (subsection 11 (6)).
§ 10. Committee on Decorations
(1) The Committee on Decorations shall review recommendations, make propositions to the President of the Republic for the bestowal of decorations, organise the maintenance of lists of decorated persons, the making of decorations and preparation of accompanying certificates, the recording and storage of unpresented, withdrawn or returned decorations and the registration of foreign badges of honour and decorations bestowed on Estonian citizens, make suggestions concerning the process of determining decorations and the classes thereof when recommendations for decorations are made, give explanations regarding the application of legislation related to decorations and perform other functions prescribed in its rules of procedure.
(2) The State Secretary shall be the chairman of the Committee on Decorations.
(3) The membership and rules of procedure of the Committee on Decorations shall be approved by the Government of the Republic. Persons listed in clauses 11 (2) 1)-7), 9) and 10) who have the right to submit recommendations shall not be members of the Committee.
§ 11. Recommendation for decoration
(1) A recommendation for the bestowal of a decoration shall be submitted to the Committee on Decorations by 1 October of the year preceding the bestowal of decorations. In the cases specified in subsection 9 (4), the Committee on Decorations may accept and review recommendations which are submitted later.
(2) Recommendations for the bestowal of decorations may be submitted to the Committee on Decorations by the following persons:
1) the President of the Republic or, on his or her behalf, the Director of the Office of the President of the Republic – regarding all persons, and also for the bestowal of decorations posthumously;
2) the Prime Minister – regarding all persons, and also for the bestowal of decorations posthumously;
3) a minister – regarding public servants of the corresponding ministry and of state agencies in the area of government of the ministry and regarding other persons within the area of government of the ministry, although the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall submit or approve all recommendations regarding aliens and the Minister of Defence shall submit or approve all recommendations regarding persons awarded decorations for services in the field of national defence;
4) the President of the Riigikogu2 – regarding members of the Riigikogu and public servants of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu;
5) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court – regarding judges and justices and employees of the Supreme Court;
6) the Chancellor of Justice – regarding public servants of the Office of the Chancellor of Justice;
7) the Auditor General – regarding public servants of the State Audit Office;
8) the State Secretary – regarding public servants of the State Chancellery and agencies administered thereby;
9) the Commander of the Defence Forces – regarding members of the Defence Forces and military units;
10) a county governor – regarding persons residing in the territory of the corresponding county.
(3) Everyone has the right to make proposals to the persons listed in subsection (2) of this section for recommendations to be submitted, according to their competence, for the bestowal of decorations.
(4) During peace-time, a person who has been awarded a decoration may generally be recommended for another decoration for similar services once five years have passed since the bestowal of the previous decoration and for different services once three years have passed.
(5) A recommendation shall be submitted to the Committee on Decorations in two original copies. The recommendation shall set out the decoration and the class for which the recommendation is made.
(6) The format of recommendations for the bestowal of decorations and the procedure for making proposals for the bestowal of decorations shall be approved by the Government of the Republic. The Government of the Republic shall establish a quota for recommendations which may be submitted by persons listed in clauses (2) 2)-10) of this section not later than by 1 May each year. The quota does not apply to the cases specified in subsection 9 (4).
(13.05.98 entered into force 07.06.98 - RT I 1998, 47, 699)
§ 12. Review of recommendations
(1) The Committee on Decorations shall register all recommendations which are prepared as required and received within the given term.
(2) The Committee on Decorations has the right to refuse to review a recommendation which is submitted in violation of a term. The person who submitted the recommendation shall be informed thereof. The committee shall designate a term for elimination of any deficiencies in form and shall accept the recommendation for review after elimination of any deficiencies. If the person who submitted the recommendation has exceeded the quota established with regard to him or her, the person shall inform the committee of the recommendations which he or she is withdrawing within the term designated by the committee.
(3) The Committee on Decorations shall review a recommendation within three months or, in the cases specified in subsection 9 (4), within two weeks as of receipt of the recommendation.
(4) The Committee has the right to call a person who submitted a recommendation or a representative of such a person to give additional explanations at a meeting at which the recommendation is reviewed.
(5) Upon review of a recommendation, the Committee on Decorations shall decide whether it agrees thereto. Reasons shall be given for any decision to refuse an application.
§ 13. Proposition to President of the Republic
(1) The Committee on Decorations shall submit all reviewed recommendations to the President of the Republic by 1 January of the year during which the decorations are to be bestowed or, in the cases specified in subsection 9 (4), within two weeks as of receipt of the recommendations.
(2) If the Committee on Decorations has agreed to a recommendation, a proposition shall be made to the President of the Republic for bestowal of a decoration. The Committee may also submit a proposal regarding the decoration or class thereof together with the affirmative decision. If the Committee has not agreed to a recommendation, a proposition shall not be made and it shall be forwarded to the President of the Republic together with the negative decision of the Committee.
(3) The format of propositions for the bestowal of decorations shall be approved by the Government of the Republic.
§ 14. Deciding on bestowal of decorations
(1) The President of the Republic shall decide on the bestowal of decorations not later than two weeks before presentation of the decorations or, in the cases specified in subsection 9 (4), not later than three working days before presentation of the decorations.
(2) The date and number of a decision on the bestowal of a decoration shall be indicated in the recommendation. Thereafter, one copy of each recommendation shall be sent promptly to the Committee on Decorations.
(3) The decision of the President of the Republic on the bestowal of decorations shall be published in the Riigi Teataja before the presentation of the decorations.
(4) On the basis of a decision of the President of the Republic, the person shall be entered in the list of persons holding state decorations. Information on the bestowal of decorations on officials or members of the Defence Forces shall be entered in their service records.
§ 15. Certificate of decoration
(1) The format of certificates accompanying decorations shall be approved by the Government of the Republic.
(2) The certificates shall be signed by the President of the Republic and the chairman of the Committee on Decorations.
(3) Decorations and certificates shall be bestowed without charge on the persons awarded the decorations.
§ 16. Presentation of decorations
(1) Decorations and certificates shall be ceremoniously presented to the persons awarded the decorations by the President of the Republic or, on his or her behalf, by a person designated by the President of the Republic.
(2) Decorations bestowed on the occasion of Independence Day shall generally be presented on 23 February.
(3) Pursuant to a decision of the President of the Republic, a decoration bestowed posthumously shall be presented to a family member of the person awarded the decoration or to any other person close to him or her.
Part III
Wearing, Withdrawal and Return of Decorations
§ 17. Wearing of decorations
(1) Only the person on whom a decoration has been bestowed may wear the decoration, unless his or her decoration has been withdrawn or he or she has been divested of the right to wear the decoration on the bases and pursuant to the procedure provided by law.
(2) A decoration may be worn as an original, a miniature, a rosette badge or a ribbon.
(3) Decorations shall generally be worn on ceremonial state occasions.
(4) The specific procedure for wearing decorations shall be approved by the Government of the Republic.
§ 18. Wearing of foreign badges of honour and decorations
(1) Any Estonian citizen on whom a foreign state badge of honour or decoration is bestowed shall register the badge of honour or decoration with the Committee on Decorations within one month as of its bestowal. Other foreign badges of honour and decorations are not subject to registration.
(2) The procedure for the registration of foreign state badges of honour and decorations shall be approved by the Government of the Republic.
(3) Foreign badges of honour and decorations shall be worn pursuant to the statutes thereof but with the specifications arising from the procedure established by the Government of the Republic (subsection 17 (4)).
§ 19. Liability for illegal act committed in respect of decoration
A person who commits an illegal act in respect of a decoration shall bear administrative or criminal liability on the bases and pursuant to the procedure provided by law.
§ 20. Withdrawal of decoration
(1) The President of the Republic shall revoke a decision on the bestowal of a decoration and shall make a decision to withdraw a decoration from a person if it becomes evident that the recommendation for the decoration contained inaccurate information and that the decoration has therefore been bestowed on a person who has not rendered the relevant services.
(2) A person from whom a decoration has been withdrawn in the case specified in subsection (1) of this section may contest the decision in an administrative court.
§ 21. Return of decorations
(1) The return of a decoration shall not be demanded, except in the cases specified in subsections (3) and (4) of this section.
(2) Upon the death of a decorated person, the decoration shall be retained by his or her family or other persons close to him or her to remember him or her by or it shall be deposited, at their request, in an appropriate collection or with the Committee on Decorations.
(3) A decoration which has been withdrawn from a person pursuant to the procedure prescribed in subsection 20 (1) of this section shall be returned to the Committee on Decorations.
(4) If a decoration of a higher class is bestowed on a citizen of a foreign state, a decoration of a lower class shall be returned, and the decoration shall also be returned upon his or her death. As an exception and with the consent of the Committee on Decorations, the decoration may be deposited in an appropriate collection upon the death of the citizen of a foreign state.
(5) The recording and storage of returned decorations shall be organised by the Committee on Decorations.
Part IV
Classes and Description of Decorations
Chapter 1
Order of the National Coat of Arms
§ 22. Classes of the Order of the National Coat of Arms
(1) There are six classes of the Order of the National Coat of Arms:
1) one special class – the Collar of the Order of the National Coat of Arms;
2) five basic classes – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class.
(2) The grand national coat of arms which is a part of all the classes of the Order of the National Coat of Arms and which is gold-plated on both sides bears the embossed date "24. II 1918" on its reverse.
(3) The colour tone of the blue moiré ribbons which constitute a part of all the classes of the Order of the National Coat of Arms is 285 C in the international Pantone matching system.
§ 23. Collar of the Order of the National Coat of Arms
(1) The Collar of the Order of the National Coat of Arms is a 30 mm wide gold chain with pieces in the form of Estonian ornaments. The centres of four of the ornaments of the collar are encrusted with precious stones. A grand national coat of arms of 69 mm in diameter is suspended from the chain.
(2) The insignia of the collar of the order include an eight-pointed gold star of 87 mm in diameter with a grand national coat of arms of 42 mm in diameter in the centre of the star.
(3) The insignia of the collar of the order include a sash of the 1st class.
§ 24. 1st class Order of the National Coat of Arms
(1) The insignia of the 1st class Order of the National Coat of Arms consist of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a 105 mm wide blue moiré ribbon and a gilt grand national coat of arms of 58 mm in diameter is suspended from its bow.
(2) The silver star is an eight-pointed star of 87 mm in diameter with a gilt grand national coat of arms of 38 mm in diameter in the centre of the star.
§ 25. 2nd class Order of the National Coat of Arms
The insignia of the 2nd class Order of the National Coat of Arms consist of a grand national coat of arms of 55 mm in diameter of suspended from a 41 mm wide blue moiré ribbon and a star identical to that on the 1st class Order of the National Coat of Arms.
§ 26. 3rd class Order of the National Coat of Arms
The 3rd class Order of the National Coat of Arms is identical to the 2nd class Order of the National Coat of Arms but without a star.
§ 27. 4th class Order of the National Coat of Arms
The 4th class Order of the National Coat of Arms is a grand national coat of arms of 42 mm in diameter suspended from a 35 mm wide blue moiré ribbon. A blue rosette of 22 mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration.
§ 28. 5th class Order of the National Coat of Arms
The 5th class Order of the National Coat of Arms is identical to the 4th class Order of the National Coat of Arms but the ribbon has no rosette.
Chapter 2
Order of the White Star
§ 29. Classes of the Order of the White Star
(1) There are seven classes of the Order of the White Star:
1) one special class – the Collar of the Order of the White Star;
2) five basic classes – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class;
3) one medal class.
(2) The crosses of all classes of the Order of the White Star have the same design but different measurements.
(3) The colour tone of the red moiré ribbons which constitute a part of all the classes of the Order of the White Star is 206 MC in the international Pantone matching system.
§ 30. Collar of the Order of the White Star
(1) The Collar of the Order of the White Star is a 30 mm wide gilt silver chain with pieces in the form of Estonian ornaments, its lock holding a gilt grand national coat of arms of 38 mm in diameter. A six-armed gold cross of 65 mm in diameter covered with white enamel on both sides is suspended from the chain. A small six-pointed gold star is in the centre of the obverse of the cross. The reverse of the cross bears the date "7. X 1936". Gold trimmings project from the centre of the cross.
(2) The insignia of the collar of the order include a hexagonal gilt silver star of 83 mm in diameter, surmounted by a six-armed cross covered with white enamel. A gilt grand national coat of arms of 38 mm in diameter is in the centre of the cross.
(3) The insignia of the collar of the order include a sash of the 1st class.
§ 31. 1st class Order of the White Star
(1) The insignia of the 1st class Order of the White Star consist of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a 105 mm wide red moiré ribbon with a six-armed white cross suspended from its bow.
(2) The white star is a hexagonal star of 83 mm in diameter, surmounted by a six-armed cross covered with white enamel. A gilt grand national coat of arms of 38 mm in diameter is in the centre of the cross.
§ 32. 2nd class Order of the White Star
The insignia of the 2nd class Order of the White Star consist of a white cross suspended from a 41 mm wide red moiré ribbon and a star which is identical to that on the 1st class Order of the White Star.
§ 33. 3rd class Order of the White Star
The 3rd class Order of the White Star is identical to the 2nd class Order of the White Star but without a star.
§ 34. 4th class Order of the White Star
The 4th class Order of the White Star is a white cross of 47 mm in diameter suspended from a 35 mm wide red moiré ribbon. A red rosette of 22 mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration.
§ 35. 5th class Order of the White Star
The 5th class Order of the White Star is identical to the 4th class Order of the White Star but the ribbon has no rosette.
§ 36. Medal of the Order of the White Star
(1) The Medal of the Order of the White Star is a round silver medal of 31 mm in diameter and with a loop elaborated with Estonian ornaments. The obverse of the medal bears a relief enamel image of the White Star. The reverse of the medal bears the embossed date "7. X 1936".
(2) The ribbon of the medal is a 30 mm wide red moiré ribbon.
Chapter 3
Order of the Cross of the Eagle
§ 37. Classes of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle
(1) There are eight classes of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle:
1) five basic classes – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class;
2) three medal classes – gold, silver and iron cross.
(2) The crosses of all the classes of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle have the same design.
(3) The colour tone of the orange moiré ribbons which constitute a part of all the classes of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle is 137 MC in the international Pantone matching system.
§ 38. 1st class Order of the Cross of the Eagle
(1) The insignia of the 1st class Order of the Cross of the Eagle consist of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a 105 mm wide orange moiré ribbon with a 4 mm wide blue stripe and a 4 mm wide orange hem.
(2) The sash ends in a bow from which a four-armed black Maltese cross of 58 mm in diameter which is enamelled on both sides and surrounded by a 0.5 mm wide golden border is suspended. The length of the arm of the right-angled cut at the external end of each arm of the cross is 15 mm. The obverse of the cross bears an oxidised silver Nordic eagle ready to take wing and the eagle is holding a small national coat of arms on a golden background in its left talon and a double-edged sword in its right talon. The wing span of the eagle is 23 mm, the length of the eagle from its head to the end of its tail feathers is 19 mm and the length of the sword is 14.5 mm. The reverse of the cross bears a black enamelled circle of 10 mm in diameter with a golden border and an inscription of the date "24. II 1928" running from top to bottom in the centre; the arms of the cross bear the motto PRO PATRIA on the reverse.
(3) The silver star is a relief eight-pointed star of 85 mm in diameter which consists of 96 diamond-shaped rows of bosses increasing in size from the centre outwards and with a cross of the 5th class in the centre of the star.
§ 39. 2nd class Order of the Cross of the Eagle
The insignia of the 2nd class Order of the Cross of the Eagle consist of a cross and a star identical to those on the 1st class Order of the Cross of the Eagle, but the cross is suspended from a 40 mm wide orange moiré ribbon with a 1 mm wide blue stripe in the centre and a 3 mm wide blue stripe and a 1.5 mm wide orange hem at the edges.
§ 40. 3rd class Order of the Cross of the Eagle
The 3rd class Order of the Cross of the Eagle is identical to the 2nd class Order of the Cross of the Eagle but without a star.
§ 41. 4th class Order of the Cross of the Eagle
(1) The insignia of the 4th class Order of the Cross of the Eagle include a cross which is identical to that on the 3rd class Order of the Cross of the Eagle, but cross is 50 mm in diameter and the length of the arm of the right-angled cut at the external end of each arm of the cross is 12.5 mm.
(2) The ribbon of the decoration is a 35 mm wide and 50 mm long orange moiré ribbon with a 3 mm wide blue stripe and a 1.5 mm wide orange hem at the edges. The lower 18 mm of the ribbon form a right angle.
(3) An orange rosette with blue stripes and of 22 mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration.
§ 42. 5th class Order of the Cross of the Eagle
The 5th class Order of the Cross of the Eagle is identical to the 4th class Order of the Cross of the Eagle but the ribbon has no rosette.
§ 43. Gold, silver and iron crosses of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle
(1) The shape and size of the gold, silver and iron crosses of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle are identical to those of the 5th class Order of the Cross of the Eagle but they are made of metal and are not enamelled.
(2) The ribbon of the gold, silver and iron crosses of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle is a 35 mm wide orange moiré ribbon with 1 mm wide blue stripes in the centre:
1) the gold cross has three stripes at intervals of 2.5 mm;
2) the silver cross has two stripes at an interval of 6 mm;
3) the iron cross has one stripe.
§ 44. Military decorations of the Cross of the Eagle
(1) The Order of the Cross of the Eagle is a military decoration if two crossed swords are affixed to it as follows:
1) the cross has crossed swords movably attached at the hilts of the swords to the tips of the top arms of the cross. The length of the swords together with their hilts is 35 mm for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class decorations and 33 mm for the 4th and 5th class decorations and the gold, silver and iron crosses;
2) the star has crossed swords affixed to the oblique rays of the star and the vertical and horizontal rays remain uncovered. The swords are set hilts down. The length of each sword is 85 mm.
(2) The insignia of the basic classes and the gold cross of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle have gold swords, and the silver and iron crosses of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle have swords of the same metal as the crosses.
Chapter 4
Order of the Estonian Red Cross
§ 45. Classes of the Order of the Estonian Red Cross
(1) There are six classes of the Order of the Estonian Red Cross:
1) five basic classes – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class;
2) one medal class.
(2) The crosses of all the basic classes of the Order of the Estonian Red Cross have the same design.
(3) The colour tone of the blue moiré ribbons which constitute a part of all the classes of the Order of the Estonian Red Cross is 297 MC in the international Pantone matching system.
§ 46. 1st class Order of the Estonian Red Cross
(1) The insignia of the 1st class Order of the Estonian Red Cross consist of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a 110 mm wide moiré ribbon with a 59 mm wide blue stripe in the centre. On each side of this stripe there is a 6 mm wide black stripe followed by a 7 mm wide white stripe and a 2 mm wide black stripe with a 10.5 mm wide blue stripe at the edge. The sash ends in a bow from which a cross of the 2nd class is suspended.
(2) The silver star is a relief eight-pointed star of 86 mm in diameter with shining rays which end in three points and on which round bosses increasing in size from the centre outwards are located. Between each pair of the rays, there are six rows of pyramid-like matt silver bosses increasing in size from the centre outwards and ending in a little round ball. The star is surmounted by a red enamel cross with 41 mm long and 9.5 mm wide arms which is enclosed within a 1.5 mm wide gilt frame with a 2 mm wide white enamelled border. The cross bears three blue lions on a golden background in the form of a 24.5 mm stylised octagon surrounded with the Estonian national colours.
§ 47. 2nd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross
(1) The insignia of the 2nd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross include an enamelled red cross with arms of equal length and a star which is identical to that of the 1st class Order of the Estonian Red Cross.
(2) The length of the cross is 41 mm and the width of its arms is 9.5 mm. The cross is enclosed in a 2 mm wide white enamel frame set within a 1.5 mm wide gilt border. There are four nine-pointed bunches of gilt rays in the corners of the cross. The obverse of the cross bears a stylised 24.5 mm octagon on the Estonian national colours with the gilt letter "E" on the red enamel background in the centre. The reverse of the cross contains an enamel red circle of 22 mm in diameter with a golden border which bears the motto INTER ARMA CARITAS and with the year "1919" in the centre of the circle. The top arm of the cross ends with a 19 mm long image of a lighthouse. The lighthouse is covered with white enamel and stands on an ornate gilt base, and five gilt rays project to either side from the top of the lighthouse.
(3) The ribbon of the 2nd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross is 40 mm wide with a 21 mm wide blue stripe lengthways in the centre. On each side of the stripe there is a 2 mm wide black stripe followed by a 2.5 mm wide white stripe and a 1 mm wide black stripe with a 4 mm wide blue stripe at the edge.
§ 48. 3rd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross
The 3rd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross is identical to the 2nd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross but without a star.
§ 49. 4th class Order of the Estonian Red Cross
(1) The insignia of the 4th class Order of the Estonian Red Cross include a cross which is identical to that of the 2nd class Order of the Estonian Red Cross but with a length of 38 mm.
(2) The ribbon of the decoration is a 36 mm wide moiré ribbon with a 19 mm wide blue stripe in the centre. On each side of the stripe there is a 2 mm wide black stripe followed by a 2.5 mm wide white stripe and a 0.5 mm wide black stripe with a 3.5 mm wide blue stripe at the edge.
(3) A rosette of 22 mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration.
§ 50. 5th class Order of the Estonian Red Cross
The 5th class Order of the Estonian Red Cross is identical to the 4th class Order of the Estonian Red Cross but the ribbon has no rosette.
§ 51. Medal of the Estonian Red Cross
(1) The Medal of the Estonian Red Cross is a round silver medal of 29 mm in diameter. The obverse of the medal bears a relief enamel image of a red cross of 13.5 mm with arms of equal length and 3 mm in width. The reverse of the medal bears the embossed inscription EESTI PUNANE RIST [Estonian Red Cross].
(2) The ribbon of the medal is identical to that of the 5th class Order of the Estonian Red Cross.
Chapter 5
Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
§ 52. Classes of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
(1) There are six classes of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana:
1) one special class – the Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana;
2) five basic classes – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class.
(2) The crosses and shields of all the classes of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana have the same design and are of the same size.
(3) The colour tone of the blue moiré ribbons which constitute a part of all the classes of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is 300 C in the international Pantone matching system.
§ 53. Collar of the Cross of Terra Mariana
(1) The Collar of the Cross of Terra Mariana is a 22 mm wide silver chain which consists of twelve monograms of Mary, six Gothic shields bearing three enamelled blue lions on a gold-plated background and six crosses of Terra Mariana of 22 mm in diameter. A Cross of Terra Mariana is attached to one of the shields of the Collar.
(2) The Cross of Terra Mariana is a silver Mantuan cross of 48 mm in diameter covered on both sides with white enamel, with the arms of the cross being bordered on both sides with 2 mm wide enamelled blue and black stripes. The reverse of the cross bears the words PRO TERRA MARIANA. Between the arms of the cross there are monograms of Mary in oxidised silver.
(3) The insignia of the collar of the order include an eight-pointed silver star of 80 mm in diameter. It is surmounted by a Cross of Terra Mariana of 48 mm in diameter with a golden Gothic shield of 16 mm in diameter and three blue lions in the centre of the cross.
(4) The insignia of the collar of the order include a sash of the 1st class.
§ 54. 1st class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
(1) The insignia of the 1st class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana consist of a sash and a silver star. The sash is a 105 mm wide blue moiré ribbon. A golden Gothic shield with three blue lions and with a Cross of Terra Mariana attached to the shield is suspended from its bow.
(2) The silver star is identical to the silver star which is part of the insignia of the Collar of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
§ 55. 2nd class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
The insignia of the 2nd class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana consist of a golden Gothic shield with three blue lions attached to a 40 mm wide blue moiré ribbon and with a Cross of Terra Mariana attached to the shield, and a star which is identical to the star on the 1st class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
§ 56. 3rd class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
The 3rd class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is identical to the 2nd class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana but without a star.
§ 57. 4th class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
The insignia of the 4th class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana consist of a golden Gothic shield with three blue lions attached to a 35 mm wide blue moiré ribbon and with a Cross of Terra Mariana attached to the shield. A blue rosette of 22 mm in diameter is affixed to the ribbon of the decoration.
§ 58. 5th class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
The 5th class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is identical to the 4th class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana but the ribbon has no rosette.
Chapter 6
Rosette Badge, Miniature and Ribbon of Decoration
§ 59. Rosette badge of decoration
(1) The rosette badge of a decoration is a rosette of 8 mm in diameter and of the same colour as the ribbon of the decoration which is placed:
1) for a 1st class decoration – on a golden coloured base;
2) for a 2nd class decoration – on a base the right side of which is golden in colour and the left side of which is silver in colour;
3) for a 3rd class decoration – on a silver coloured base.
(2) The base of a rosette is 6 mm high and 14 mm wide.
(3) The rosette badge of a 4th class decoration is a rosette without a base.
(4) The attribute of a 5th class decoration or a 5th class medal is a 3 mm high strip of the ribbon of the decoration.
§ 60. Miniature of decoration
(1) The miniature of a decoration is a reduced size precise replica of the corresponding 5th class decoration, and the diameter of the badge is 17 mm and the width of the ribbon is 15 mm. The height of the miniature together with the ribbon is 50 mm.
(2) The miniature of the medal class of a decoration is a reduced size precise replica thereof with the measurements of a miniature of the basic class.
(3) The rosette badge of the relevant class is attached 10 mm above the lower edge of the ribbon of the miniature of the decoration as an attribute of the class of the decoration.
§ 61. Ribbon of decoration
The ribbon of a decoration is a 10 mm high and 35 mm wide base covered with the ribbon of the corresponding decoration and a rosette badge representing the class of the decoration is attached to the base.
Chapter 61
(19.06.2002 entered into force 01.09.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387)
Liability
(19.06.2002 entered into force 01.09.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387)
§ 611. Illegal acts committed in respect of Estonian state decorations
(1) The wearing or other use of Estonian state decorations by a person who lacks the legal basis therefor, and the purchase, sale, exchange or other transfer for a charge of state decorations valid in Estonia shall be punished by a fine of up to 300 fine units.
(2) The provisions of the General Part of the Penal Code (RT I 2001, 61, 364; 2002, 44, 284; 56, 350) and of the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure (RT I 2002, 50, 313) apply to the misdemeanours provided for in this section.
(3) Police prefectures shall conduct extra-judicial proceedings in the matters of the misdemeanours provided for in this section.
(19.06.2002 entered into force 01.09.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387)
Part V
Implementing Provisions
§ 62. Validity of badges of honour and decorations bestowed earlier
Orders of the National Coat of Arms, Orders of the White Star, Orders of the Cross of the Eagle, Orders of the Estonian Red Cross, Crosses of Liberty and Orders of the Cross of Terra Mariana bestowed before the entry into force of this Act are deemed to be valid.
§ 63. Alien
Within the meaning of this Act, citizens of foreign states and stateless persons are deemed to be aliens.
§ 64. Amendment of other Acts
(1) (Repealed - 19.06.2002 entered into force 01.09.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387)
(2) (Repealed - 19.06.2002 entered into force 01.09.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387)
(3) The title of Chapter 13, the title of § 92 and subsection 92 (1) of the Code of Enforcement Procedure (RT I 1993, 49, 693; RT I 2001, 29, 156; 43, 238; 53, 336; 56, 350) are amended by adding the words "and the right to wear state decorations" after the words "operate in a particular area of activity".
(4) Clause 157 (1) 8) of the Public Service Act (RT I 1995, 16, 228; 1999, 7, 112; 10, 155; 16, 271; 276; 2000, 25, 144; 145; 28, 167; 102, 672; 2001, 7, 17; 18; 17, 78; 24, 133; 42, 233; 47, 260; 2002, 21, 117; 62, 377) is amended by adding the words “, including information concerning the bestowal of state decorations”.
§ 65. Repeal of earlier Act
The Decorations Act (RT I 1994, 38, 615; 1995, 47, 741) is repealed.
§ 66. Entry into force of Act
This Act enters into force on 1 March 1997.