Order of the Star of Italy

Contains information from the corresponding article in the Italian Wikipedia

The Order of the Star of Italy was formed in 2011. The order was reformed from the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity by the 11th President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano. The emphasis of the reformed award was shifted from post-war reconstruction to the preservation and promotion of national prestige abroad, promoting friendly relations and co-operation with other countries and ties with Italy.

Order of the Star of Italy
This distinction, which qualifies as a second civilian honor of the State, represents a particular honor on behalf of all those, Italians abroad or foreigners, who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy. The reasons for granting leave the original connotation of the same post-war award and become more responsive to current realities, whereas, according to the initial setting, it was granted to those who, Italians abroad or foreigners, have especially contributed to the reconstruction of Italy. In particular, the nomination conferring the honor, are considered to have supported the preservation and promotion of national prestige abroad, which translates in various activities, such as the promotion of the Italian language, volunteering and charitable, philanthropic activities, participation in community life of our communities abroad, the scientific and technological research, the pastoral missions, commercial enterprises, the promotion of food and wine and service to our countrymen.

The order is conferred by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, after consulting the Council of the Order, which shall be chaired by the Minister himself and is composed of four members, one of which is by law the Head of the Diplomatic Protocol of the Republic. A further innovation is the order of the classes, which increased from three to five: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight, plus the special class of the Grand Cross of Honor.

The Order of the Star of Italy drops the Christian symbolism from the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, where the center of the stars and other insignia are replaced by a circular shield of gold, edged in blue and gold emblem bearing a depiction of the symbol of the republic at the center with the words "STELLA D'ITALIA" in gold letters around the edge.

The implementing regulation was issued by the Presidential Decree November 15, 2011, n. 221 and is in force since 28 January 2012.

For the year 2012 it was expected for there to be 400 honors awarded, broken down as:
 * Knight Grand Cross: 10
 * Grand Officer: 60
 * Commander: 70
 * Officer: 100
 * Knight: 160

To these can be added up to 10 grand crosses of honor.

The first awards of the Knight Grand Cross were awarded to Alfio Piva Mesen and Fouad Twal May 2, 2012.

The present classes of the Order are as follows: