Order of Merit of Berlin

The Merit of the State of Berlin was donated by the Senate of Berlin on the occasion of the 750th anniversary of Berlin on 21 July 1987. He is considered the highest honor the State of Berlin, will be honored with the persons who have rendered outstanding services to Berlin.

Those entitled to the Governing Mayor of Berlin, suggestions coming from the Speaker of the House and members of the Berlin Senate. The "general statement about the foundation of the Order of Merit of the Federal State of Berlin " describes the Order as " white- enamelled eight-pointed cross with a red edge and a patch in the middle bears on silver escutcheon ". The awarding of the Order always takes place on 1 October of the year held in the main hall of the Berlin City Hall, while about ten to fifteen people are both awarded by the Mayor. , The previous bearer of the Order, the living honorary citizen of Berlin and other personalities from politics, economy, culture and media will be invited in addition to the families of the Auszuzeichnenden At this ceremony. October 1 is in two respects a special day in the history of Berlin: On October 1, 1920 was created by the merger of many cities and towns the united community of Greater Berlin and after the Second World War occurred on October 1, 1950, the Constitution of Berlin in force. Therefore, October 1 to mark the official birthday of Berlin and is particularly suitable as a day for this award. Overall, there should never be more than 400 live carrier of the Order until the end of 2009, the order was given to around 320 people, of whom no longer all live, so that can not be expected in the coming years so that the maximum number is reached.