Russian Federation Order of Merit for the Motherland

[Megan]

Орден "За заслуги перед Отечеством"

Instituted: 2 March 1994.

Awarded: For contributions to the development of the State and its economy, or to the development of good relations between nations, in 4 Classes.

Collar of the Order:

[Megan]

1st Class: Badge

[Megan]

1st Class: Star

[Gaffken]

I just came across the following today...are 'motherland' and 'fatherland' interchangable?

-------------------------------

Korabelnikov Dismissed As Head Of Russian Chief Intelligence Department

Moscow Interfax-AVN 24 Apr 09

MOSCOW. April 24 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree to dismiss Valentin Korabelnikov from the post of head of the Chief Intelligence Department of the Armed Forces General Staff and from military service, the Kremlin press service said.

Korabelnikov was also dismissed from the post of General Staff deputy chief, the press service said.

Medvedev signed a decree to decorate Korabelnikov with the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, third degree, to mark the former intelligence chief's "major contribution to the strengthening of the country's defense potential."

[Guest Darrell]

Wow ... wish I could take pictures like THAT

[TacHel]

I just came across the following today...are 'motherland' and 'fatherland' interchangeable?

Every single Russian Federation presidential or ministerial decree I've read, and I'm talking about well over 300 here, mention "Fatherland".

I double and triple checked myself at first, me being so used to the term "Mother Russian".

[TacHel]

A Russian Air Force colonel (who is also a Hero of the Russian Federation) just decorated with the Order of Merit to the Fatherland 4th class by president Medvedev.

[TacHel]

A recipient of the Order of Merit to the Fatherland 3rd class with (then) president Putin.

[TacHel]

A gentleman being decorated with the Order of Merit to the Fatherland 2nd class by president Medvedev.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2009/post-3030-125272244556.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2009/post-3030-125272246031.jpg

[TacHel]

An interesting picture of a highly decorated veteran who just received a promotion in the Order from 3rd to 2nd class explaining the 2 neck badges worn simultaneously.

[TacHel]

This gentleman has just been awarded the Order of Merit to the Fatherland 1st class.

[Gaffken]

I'm not sure if this is totally correct, but I think the guy above (with the 1st class order) might be Viktor Chrenomyrdin, ambassador to Ukraine, though I've never seen a photo of him before.

(I hear he received this award in May...)

Gaffken

[Christophe]

You're right Gaffken. He is Viktor Chrenomyrdin.

Cheers.

Ch.