Order of Bernardo O'Higgins

The Order of Bernardo O'Higgins was originally on 28 April 1956 in two classes as an extension of the Order of Al Mérito by the Chilean president Carlos Ibáñez del Campo for achievements in the field of arts, sciences, education, industry, trade and humanitarian or sponsored social cooperation and awarded exclusively to foreigners. In 1967 it was renamed the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins. The ceremonies take place at the request of the Chilean foreign minister.

Classes

The Order originally had four classes and in 1968 was expanded to include an additional category, the Grand Cross.

• Grand Cross
• Grand Officer
• Commander
• Officer
• Knight

Order decoration

The religious character is a gilded silver five-pointed star with a white enamel version, which rests on a staggered five-pointed star also. On the star points there are small beads. Between the rays of the star three small leaves protrude. In the medallion the turned to the left chest image of Bernardo O'Higgins in uniform with the surrounding inscription BERNARDO O'HIGGINS CHILE.

Carrying method

The Grand Cross is worn with a sash from the right shoulder to the left hip as well as with a breast star. Grand Officer and Commander bear the distinction of being neck Order; Grand Officers in addition to a breast star. Officers and knights decorate the religious character to the band on the left side of the chest, where on the tape of the officers cross a rosette still attached.

The ribbon has a wide blue and red stripes.

Bearers

• Hermann Gmeiner, founder of SOS Children's Villages
• Félix Luna, historian, politician, lawyer and author
• Heiner Geissler, politicians
• Michael Glos, politicians
• Michael Roik, an official at the Chancellery