The Saint Olav‘s Cross of Pilgrimage

The Saint Olav Pilgrimage Foundation, Norway, was established in November 2000 by the Grand Prior

Emeritus of Norway - His Excellency Chevalier Kaare Norwald Eikeland, GCLJ, GCMLJ, B.Eng.,

MNIF, and some colleagues as a legally, registered foundation in Norway with the objective of

collecting funds in the form of donations and gifts in order to perform humanitarian aid work.

That foundation was thereafter strongly supported by a special letter including Gods blessing to its

important work by His Excellency Dr. Gerhard Schwenzer, SS.CC., Roman-catholic bishop of Oslo, and

by Most Rev. Finn Wagle, Protestant bishop of Trondheim (Nidaros diocese).

This foundation is bestowing the Saint Olav‘s Cross of Pilgrimage as an ecumenical mark of distinction.

The foundation is awarding cross, miniature and diploma.

The breast cross is made of gilt and red transparent enamel and worn with a 35 mm watered ribbon with

a red medial stripe flanked on either side by a golden stripe and with white stripes at the edges. That

decoration may be worn according to rules, regulations or custom for dress or uniforms in each country

concerned.

The Cross consists of a number of religious symbols and may be awarded to individuals who profess

Christianity and satisfy the six conditions below:

• Made a pilgrimage to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, visited Stiklestad and at least one other

Saint Olav`s Church - in Norway or in another country.

• Performed altristic humanitarian work over a prolonged time to help the poor, sick and/or people

of few recourses.

• Participated in at least two contingents in connection with peace-creating or peace-keeping

operations or services, as a member of the military, the police or as a civilian.

• Alternatively participation in an operation or service may be approved combined with

humanitarian aid work, voluntary work in organizations that undertake peacekeeping activities,

or other work that promotes peace and friendship between people.

• Participated in at least one internationally organized peace-creating or peace-keeping operation or

service as a member of the military, the police or as a civilian plus made a pilgrimage to

Jerusalem, including visits to holy sites.

• In particular, reference is made to visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which has a

picture of Saint Olav on the fifth pillar into the church, with the inscription "Olauus Rex

Norvegie", thought to have been painted in the thirteenth century.

• At least two years service performing national or international aid work in a developing country

plus subsequent active and worthy participation in humanitarian work over a long period of time.

The foundation reserves the right to interpret the statues and eligibility requirements freely.

The Saint Olav‘s Cross of Pilgrimage may also be awarded to people who in an altruistic way have

supported the foundation, its goals and funds, or in some other way merit the award.

Members of the following Orders of Chivalry also meet the eligibility requirements; these are:

•The Order of St. John.

•The Order of St. Lazarus.

•The Sovereign Order of St. John of Malta.

•The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

•The Constantinian Order of Saint George.

Members of other knightly orders of good standing may also be considered for the award of the St.

Olav’s Cross of Pilgrimage.

Nobels Fredspris medalje

On 10/12 1988, the "United Nations Peace-Keeping Forces" was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1988 by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Subsequently, a number of different countries and organizations have wanted to mark this by instituting various medals and badges of honor.

Normally, the requirement to acquire one of these medals was that you have performed UN service before 1988 and received a UN mission medal for this.

The Norwegian Peace Prize medal from the National Association of UN Veterans has had a reputation as a so-called "suge-medalje", i.e. a medal of no significance that can only be acquired according to good feeling.

This medal has the status of a completely official Norwegian medal - and as such must be worn on uniform in the Norwegian Armed Forces, moreover, surprisingly enough, a general DANISH wearing permit has been given for this: HJVBST 406-002 - so personnel from the Home Guard who have performed UN service before 1988 and have acquired this medal can wear it on a Danish uniform!

FN 50 års jubilæums medalje

The United Nations had its 50th anniversary as an institution in 1995. Many UN veterans naturally wanted to have a visible memory of this great event.

Together with a veterans' association in Norway - Bergen and Hordaland UN Veterans' Association - drawings for the medal and diploma were prepared, and at the end of 1995 the UN's 50th Anniversary Medal was produced.

The medal can be acquired by International military and civilian personnel who have participated in UN missions worldwide.

When you receive the UN's 50th Anniversary Medal, you also receive a personal Certificate with your own name and military rank designation attached.

The certificate is signed by the then President of The Nordic Blue Berets.

The medal, which has been approved by the President of The Nordic Blue Berets, is personal property and is considered a commemorative medal.

The 50th anniversary medal of the United Nations is averyunofficial medal!

Despite this, a standing wearing permit for the uniform has been granted for this medal.

(HJVBST 406-002)