Orders, decorations, and medals of Lithuania
Awards and decorations of Lithuania are governed by the Republic of Lithuania Law on State Awards of 2002, amended in 2003. State decorations. The state orders, medals and other decorations are bestowed by the President of Lithuania on 16 February – Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania and 6 July – Day of the State (Coronation of King Mindaugas), and on other days on special occasions. The President of Lithuania is awarded with the highest order, of Vytautas the Great, upon starting to hold his office after taking the oath, by the Chairman  of the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament). Decorations are minted in Lithuanian Mint, a state own enterprise. The above decorations are awarded by the Minister of National Defence. In addition, the Medal of Darius and Girėnas may be awarded by the Minister of Transport and Communications. History. Although most of nowadays Lithuanian orders are created in times of Interwar Lithuanian Republic, few of nowadays Poland highest awards do have roots in Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and by official herald of Lithuania are considered as origin Lithuanian.