Order of the Cross of Liberty
Order of the Cross of Liberty
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Order of the Cross of Liberty breast star with swords | |
| Awarded by Finland | |
| Type | State order |
| Established | March 4, 1918 |
| Country | Finland |
| Seat | Defence Command, Helsinki |
| Motto | Isänmaan puolesta ('For the Fatherland' or 'Pro Patria') |
| Eligibility | Finnish nationals and foreigners, Finnish Defence Force units and other organizations |
| Awarded for | military merits and distinguished service to the defense forces. |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| First head | Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim |
| Grand Master | Alexander Stubb |
| Chancellor | Kenraali Ari Puheloinen |
| Vice-Chancellor | Kenraaliluutnantti Sakari Honkamaa |
| Classes |
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| Website | vapaudenristinritarikunta |
| Statistics | |
| First induction | March 12, 1918 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of the White Rose of Finland |
| Next (lower) | Order of the Lion of Finland |
The Order of the Cross of Liberty (Finnish: Vapaudenristin ritarikunta; Swedish: Frihetskorsets orden) is one of three official state orders in Finland, along with the Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland.
The awards of the Order of the Cross of Liberty can be granted for both civil and military merits. They are usually conferred on the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces and on Finland's Independence Day but may also be awarded on other occasions as needed.
With the exception of the Mannerheim Cross, the class of an award to be conferred depends on the recipient's military rank or an equivalent civilian status. Crosses of Liberty are primarily awarded to officers, while Medals of Liberty are given to non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. The Cross of Liberty is awarded for military merits with swords and for civil merits without swords. To recognize exceptional performance on the front line or leadership during wartime, the Cross of Liberty may be conferred upon a soldier adorned with oak leaves. The Medal of Liberty is awarded to military personnel, while the Cross of Liberty Medal of Merit is granted to civilians. During wartime, the Cross of Liberty with swords or the Medal of Liberty may also be awarded to civilians.
The Mannerheim Cross is also the highest Finnish military award for gallantry and can be awarded in two classes.