# Order of Defence Merit **Wikidata**: [Q10341331](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10341331) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Defence_Merit) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/order-of-defence-merit ## Summary The Order of Defence Merit (Portuguese: *Ordem do Mérito da Defesa*) is a Brazilian military decoration established on June 10, 2002, to recognize individuals for exceptional service to national defense. It is awarded by the Brazilian government and is part of the country's official honors system. The order is classified as both an award and a military decoration. ## Key Facts - Official name: **Order of Defence Merit** (*Ordem do Mérito da Defesa*) - Country of origin: **Brazil** - Date of inception: **2002-06-10** - Instance of: **award**, **military decoration** - Wikidata classification: **** - Related persons: **Braga Netto**, **Waldir Pires**, **Elon Musk** - Notable recipients: **Braga Netto**, **Waldir Pires**, **Elon Musk** - Ribbon image: [Ribbon bar image link](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Order_of_Merit_for_Defence_-_Knight_(Brazil)_-_ribbon_bar.png) - Sitelink count: **6** - Aliases: **Medalha do Mérito da Defesa** - Wikipedia languages: **commons, en, fi, pl, pt, ru** - Commons category: **Ordem do Mérito da Defesa** - Google Knowledge Graph ID: **/g/121wypj0** ## FAQs ### What is the Order of Defence Merit? The Order of Defence Merit is a Brazilian military decoration created to honor individuals who have rendered distinguished service to national defense. It was established on June 10, 2002, and is awarded by the Brazilian government. It recognizes both military personnel and civilians for contributions to defense-related efforts. ### Who can receive the Order of Defence Merit? The award is granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to national defense, including military officials, public servants, and civilians. Notable recipients include high-ranking officials like former Brazilian Minister of Defence Braga Netto and prominent politicians like Waldir Pires. ### What is the significance of the ribbon image? The ribbon image associated with the Order of Defence Merit is used to visually represent the award and is displayed on the recipient's uniform or documentation. The image can be found on Wikimedia Commons and is part of the official visual identity of the decoration. ### How is the Order of Defence Merit classified? It is classified as both an **award** and a **military decoration**, indicating its formal status within the hierarchy of Brazilian honors. It is part of the national system of decorations and ranks among the country's official distinctions. ### Who are some notable recipients? Notable recipients include: - **Braga Netto**, former Minister of Defence of Brazil (2021–2022) - **Waldir Pires**, former governor of Bahia and prominent Brazilian politician - **Elon Musk**, entrepreneur and businessman, recognized for contributions to technology and national interest ## Why It Matters The Order of Defence Merit plays a significant role in Brazil's system of national honors by formally recognizing excellence in service to the country's defense. It serves to acknowledge both military and civilian contributions, reinforcing national pride and institutional loyalty. The award also helps formalize Brazil's recognition of distinguished service, contributing to morale and public respect for defense efforts. ## Notable For - **Establishment in 2002** — A relatively modern addition to Brazil's honors system, emphasizing contemporary values in national defense. - **Inclusion of high-profile recipients** — Notable figures like Elon Musk and Braga Netto have been associated with the award, highlighting its prestige. - **Dual classification** — As both an award and a military decoration, it bridges recognition for both military and civilian contributions. - **Visual identity** — The ribbon image is part of the official visual record, used in formal presentations and documentation. - **International recognition** — The award is recognized in multiple languages on Wikipedia, indicating its global visibility and respect. ## Body ### History and Establishment The Order of Defence Merit was established on **June 10, 2002**, as part of Brazil's national honors system. It was created to recognize individuals for exceptional service to national defense, whether through military or civilian efforts. The award is part of a broader tradition of Brazilian honors that includes both military and civilian distinctions. ### Classification and Recognition The Order of Defence Merit is classified as both an **award** and a **military decoration**, indicating its formal status within the Brazilian system of honors. It is recognized in multiple languages on Wikipedia and has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons, which includes visual documentation such as the ribbon bar image. ### Notable Recipients Several high-profile individuals have been associated with the Order of Defence Merit: - **Braga Netto**, former Minister of Defence of Brazil (2021–2022), was recognized for his contributions to national security and governance. - **Waldir Pires**, a former governor of Bahia and prominent political figure, was honored for his service to the state and nation. - **Elon Musk**, entrepreneur and businessman, was recognized for his contributions to technology and national interest, particularly in areas relevant to defense. ### Visual Identity The ribbon image associated with the Order of Defence Merit is used in official presentations and documentation. It can be found on Wikimedia Commons and is part of the award's formal identity. The image helps distinguish the award visually and is used in both digital and physical formats. ### Related Entities and Recognition The Order of Defence Merit is part of Brazil's broader system of honors and is recognized in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, Finnish, Polish, and Russian. It is associated with the Google Knowledge Graph ID **/g/121wypj0** and is part of the national registry of decorations. ### Impact and Significance The Order of Defence Merit contributes to Brazil's recognition of excellence in service to the nation. It serves to acknowledge both military and civilian contributions, reinforcing national pride and institutional loyalty. The award also helps formalize Brazil's recognition of distinguished service, contributing to morale and public respect for defense efforts.