Order of the White Double Cross
The Order of the White Double Cross () is the highest state decoration of the Slovak Republic. The Order was instituted on 1 March 1994 after Slovakia became independent on 1 January 1993. It continues the Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion, which was created in 1922 as an award for foreigners. The Order of the White Double Cross is conferred only upon foreign citizens, with the sole exception of the current President of Slovakia, who is awarded the Order by the National Council for the duration of his term of office upon inauguration. According  to the Order's statute, it is awarded: Classes. The Order of the White Double Cross has two divisions, civil and military, and three classes: Insignia. The "star" is an eight-pointed gold breast star, with golden straight rays between the points of the star. The central disc on the star has a white double cross on a red enamel background, which is surrounded by a gold wreath of laurel and oak leaves. The "badge" of the Order is of the same design as the star, although smaller. Furthermore, the upper point is missing and the badge is suspended on  a stylized leaf of a common lime tree, with or without the crossed swords of the Military Division. The "ribbon" of the order is blue with a red central stripe.