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In almost all areas of community life, and in particular in social, charitable and interpersonal fields, a flourishing community life is only possible through the voluntary commitment of local citizens. If people particularly distinguish themselves in such voluntary work, the Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany), or the Niedersächsischer Verdienstorden (Niedersachsen Order of Merit) can be awarded. However, such awards require independent and award-worthy service for the benefit of the general community, a service which has been practised with great personal commitment over a long period and which has involved the sacrificing of personal interests to the promotion of important state and social causes. The award-worthiness is defined by the degree of community spirit, expert knowledge and energetic action upon which the work is based and on its significance in terms of the general good.
The Land government attaches special importance to the often non-perceivable work of women in the social sphere. In future therefore, the Land parliament would like to honour such work performed for the general benefit of society to a greater extent through awards.
Niedersachsen awards
Achievements of special significance in terms of Land politics are honoured by conferring the Niedersachsen Order of Merit. Such achievements include in particular regionally important or structurally constructive commitment, or even the promotion of customs such as, for example, the Low-German language.
People engaged in activities in honorary capacities and who in terms of commitment have set an example in the service of their fellow men, can be awarded the Verdienstmedaille für vorbildliche Verdienste um den Nächsten (Medal of Honour for Exemplary Services to Others) .
The Niedersächsische Landesmedaille (Niedersachsen Land Medal) is the highest award to a person who has performed outstanding services for the benefit of the Land of Niedersachsen.
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