Order of Merit of the Free State of Thuringia
The Order of Merit of the Free State of Thuringia is the highest order of merit awarded by the Free State of Thuringia . It was created on September 19, 2000 by the Thuringian Order of Merit Act (ThürVOG) and awarded for the first time on November 22, 2000. The award is made by the Thuringian Prime Minister "as a token of appreciation for outstanding services to the Free State and its people". The President of the State Parliament and the members of the State Government are entitled to make proposals. Anyone who has suggestions for the award of the medal can, however, turn to the nominees. The number of living order holders is limited to 300 people. If a holder of the order proves to be unworthy of the honor through his behavior or if such behavior is subsequently known, the Prime Minister can revoke the award.
The order has the shape of a Maltese cross . Its arms are enameled white on both sides and provided with a narrow silver enamel border. The round central shield shows the Thuringian state coat of arms on a white enamelled background . The Order of Merit is worn as a cross on the lower left side of the chest.