National Order of the Cedar


The National Order of the Cedar 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 stylized 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’ 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.

Recipients in selection

2020s

  • Ziad Assi Rahbani, Commander, 28 July 2025 – a Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, and political commentator.
  • Nazih Elias Hedari, Grand Officer, 7 September 2024 – Brigadier General in the Lebanese Armed Forces served from 1980 to 2016. Former Commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade

2010s

2000s

1990s

1980s

  • Dr. Fuad Sami Haddad, Lebanese neurosurgeon – Commander, 1988.
  • Captain Sami Daoud Abi-Abdallah, Lebanese Army Officer – Knight, 1988.
  • Jad Azkoul, Lebanese Classical guitarist – Knight, 1988.
  • Dr. Elias T. Saadi, American-Lebanese activist and renowned cardiologist – Knight, 1986.
  • William O'Callaghan (Irish Army officer), Irish Army Lieutenant-General, Force Commander United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Medal level.
  • Larry R. Williams, USMC 1983, Commanding Officer, 10th U.S. Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps political liaison to Lebanese government during bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks, Beirut. - Officer 1983, Ray Rodriguez, , USS Iwo Jima, HMM-162, Beirut, Lebanon, SSGT, Marine, during bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks, - Beirut, Lebanon October 23, 1983.

1970s

  • Boutros Salim AbouNader, Lebanese aviator – Knight, 1975.
  • Fouad Mostafa Awad, Egyptian Economist – Officer, 1974.
  • Pedro Budib Name, Mexican businessman – Knight, 1974.
  • Abdallah Chahine, Lebanese Pianist – Knight, 1974.
  • Mansour F. Armaly, Palestinian-American physician – Knight, 1973.
  • Grégoire A. Dragatsi, MD, DTM&H, prominent Greek-Lebanese physician and Associate Clinical professor at the American University of Beirut – Knight, 1972.
  • Zdzisław Wójcik, ambassador of Poland to Lebanon 1965–1971 – Grand Cordon, 1971.

1960s

1950s

Unknown dates