Letter of Honour from the State of Hesse
Performance specification
The Letter of Honour is a distinction awarded by the Prime Minister of Hesse in 1973 by the then Prime Minister Albert Osswald for special honorary commitment in the area of democratic, social or cultural shaping of society. Since 1998, the district administrator and the mayor in whose area of responsibility the honouree resides have decided on the award of a letter of honour.
In addition, the Minister President of Hesse can award special personalities with the State Letter of Honour on his or her own authority.
Between 1000 and 1500 honorary letters are awarded annually in Hesse. In order to be awarded the Hessian Letter of Honour, a person must have at least 12 years of active voluntary service in local government or in local government institutions, in associations with cultural and social objectives (see notes) or in a comparable capacity. The nominee must be worthy of the award. However, as this is a state honour, there is no legal entitlement to the award.
Which documents are required?
The proposal to the district administrator or the mayor should contain at least the following information on the proposed person:
- First name and surname,
- Residential address,
- Date of birth,
- Presentation of the nature and scope of voluntary work
- If applicable, reference persons, associations or organisations that can comment on the commitment of the nominee.
Processing time
The examination of the nomination may take several weeks or months, as the various institutions, associations and bodies in which the nominee is or has been active in an honorary capacity must comment on the nomination.
Legal basis
Decree on the Foundation of the Letter of Honour of the State of Hesse of 26.05.1973 as amended on 05.09.2008
Appeal
The award of the Honorary Letter of the State of Hesse is an award that can (but does not have to) be conferred provided that the conditions specified in the decree are met.
As with all awards, there is no "legal entitlement" to it.
What else should I know?
The following honorary functions in associations with cultural and social objectives are eligible for the award of the State Letter of Honour: association chairmen, deputy association chairmen, treasurers, managing directors in the executive board, and secretaries. In addition, city councillors, municipal representatives, members of local councils, honorary councillors and city councillors in municipal bodies as well as arbitrators and honorary judges may receive the award, provided they fulfil the other requirements. Under certain conditions, other honorary commitment can also be awarded the Landesehrenbrief.
Comments
Who do I need to contact?
To the District Administrator, the Lord Mayor or the Lord Mayoress in whose area of responsibility the person to be awarded resides.