Autonomic Insignias of the Azores

The Azorean Autonomic Insignia are regional honours, created by Regional Legislative Decree n. 36/2002/A, of 28 November^[1] and regulated by Regional Legislative Decree n. 10/2006/A, of 20 March,^[2] which aims to distinguish, in life or posthumously, citizens or legal persons who stand out for personal or institutional merits, acts, civic deeds or services rendered to the Azorean people.^[3] The attribution of the Azorean Autonomic Insignia is made through parliamentary decision and they are usually awarded on the Region's Day, in a solemn session co-chaired by the Presidents of the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government of the Azores.

Categories

Pursuant to Article 3 of Regional Legislative Decree No. 36/2002/A of 28 November,^[1][2] the Azorean Autonomic Insignia fall in four categories:^[4][5]

• Autonomic Insignia of Valour (Insígnia Autonómica de Valor);
• Autonomic Insignia of Recognition (Insígnia Autonómica de Reconhecimento);
• Autonomic Insignia of Merit (Insígnia Autonómica de Mérito);
• Autonomic Insignia of Dedication (Insígnia Autonómica de Dedicação)

Autonomic Insignia of Valour

Is to be bestowed upon those who:^[1][5]

• had an exceptionally relevant performance in positions of Azorean governing bodies or in the service of the Region;
• performed civic feats of great relief.

The physical insignia is constituted by four separate pieces (breast star, collar, medal and rosette).

Autonomic Insignia of Recognition

It is intended to distinguish acts or conduct of exceptional relevance performed by Portuguese or foreign nationals who:^[1][5]

• value and honor the Region at home or abroad or contribute to it; contribute to the expansion of Azorean culture or to the knowledge of the Azores and its history; They are distinguished by their literary, scientific, artistic or sporting merit.

The physical insignia is constituted by three separate pieces (collar, medal and rosette).

Autonomic Insignia of Merit

It aims to distinguish meritorious acts or services performed by Portuguese or foreign citizens in the exercise of any public or private functions.^[1][5] The insignia consists of two pieces (medal and rosette), it is divided into three categories:

Profissional Merit

Rewards outstanding performance in any professional activity, whether on their own or on behalf of others.

Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Merit

Reward those who, having developed their activities in the industrial, commercial or agricultural areas, have been highlighted by relevant services for their development or exceptional merits in their performance.

Civic Merit

This insignia is intended to reward those who, as a result of a clear understanding of civic duties, have made a significant contribution to community service, particularly in the areas of social and cultural action.

Autonomic Insignia of Dedication

It aims to highlight relevant services rendered in the performance of duties in the Public Administration, as well as to reward those employees who demonstrate unusual qualities within their career and who, by their behavior, can be mentioned as an example to follow.^[1][5]

References

Bibliography

• Governo dos Açores. Insígnias Honoríficas Açorianas. s.l.: s.e., s.d. [2008].

• v
• t
• e

Orders, decorations, and medals of Portugal

Honours of the
Portuguese Republic

Insignia of Office	Sash of the Three Orders
Ancient Military Orders	Order of the Tower and Sword Order of Christ Order of Aviz Military Order of Saint James of the Sword
National Orders	Order of Prince Henry Order of Liberty Order of Camões
Orders of Civil Merit	Order of Merit Order of Public Instruction Order of Entrepreneurial Merit
Extinct	Sash of the Two Orders Order of the Colonial Empire

Honours of the
Autonomous Regions

Azores	Autonomic Insignia of Valour Autonomic Insignia of Acknowledgment Autonomic Insignias of Merit Autonomic Insignia of Dedication
Madeira	Medal of Merit of the Autonomous Region of Madeira Autonomic Insignia of Valour Autonomic Insignia of Distinction Autonomic Insignia of Good Services

Portuguese Red Cross

Red Cross Decorations

Dynastic Orders of
the Portuguese Royal House

Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa Order of Saint Michael of the Wing Order of Saint Isabel Order of Merit of the Portuguese Royal House

•  Portugal portal