The National Order of the Cedar ( Wisām al-Arz al-Waṭaniy ) is the highest state order of Lebanon, established on 31 December 1936. It is offered in five grades.
History
The Order was created on the 31 December 1936, but is regulated by the Lebanese Code of Decorations as set out in Decree-Law 122 of 12 June 1959. It is awarded, usually by the President of the Republic of Lebanon, for “great services rendered to Lebanon, for acts of courage and devotion of great moral value, as for years in public service”.
Insignia
The Medal itself consists of a five-pointed white enamel gilt-edged Maltese cross with stylised green and brown enamel cedars of Lebanon between the arms on a green enamel laurel wreath suspension; the face with a central red enamel medallion inscribed in Arabic ‘Lubnan’ (Lebanon) within an inscribed gilt ring; the reverse with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the red and white enamel national flag of the Republic of Lebanon within an inscribed gilt ring. It has a diameter of 20 mm (¾ inch).
Recipients in selection
2010s
Dr Pierre Daccache, Commander, 2 August 2019
Ghaleb Farha, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Arab Gulf Region, 2018
Michael Beary, Irish Army Major-General, 2018
Melhem Barakat, (1942–2016) Lebanese singer and songwriter, 2016
Fouad Naffah, (1925–2017) Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2017
Toni Issa, former Board of Directors of IPT Group, 2014
Ziad Alexandre Hayek, former Secretary General of the High Council for Privatization and PPP, 2014 Walid Jumblatt, Lebanese politician, 2014. Was awarded the medal by President Michel Suleiman "in appreciation for his national role and political moderation and his call for dialogue among political rivals." Wissam al-Hassan, (1965–2012) Chief of Information Branch – Grand officer, 2012. Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales, Australia — Grand Cordon, 2012. Ali Wehbi, "The Lebanese Desert Runner" – Knight, 2012 Ghassan Tueni, (1926–2012) Journalist and politician, 2012. Salim Ghazal, Melkite Bishop and Champion of Co-Existence in Lebanon, Commander – 2011. Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President – Grand Cordon, 2010. Paolo Gerometta, Italian UNIFIL SWC and JTF-L Commander, Knight – 2010.