Dmitry Medvedev awarded the decorations to outstanding Russians. Around 50 people took part in the ceremony, including politicians, military personnel, cultural figures, workers, and representatives of religious organisations.
Among those decorated were prominent politician Viktor Chernomyrdin, singer Tatyana Shmyga, writer and satirist Mikhail Zhvanetsky, Rector of Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy, General Director of experimental machine-building plant of Energia Rocket and Space Corporation Alexander Strekalov, and actress Tatyana Samoilova.
Two military servicemen, Sergei Barkhatov and Andrei Zaitsev, were decorated for their courage shown during the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict.
The President also awarded certificates conferring honorary titles on people from a number of professions – teachers, doctors, scientists, cultural figures, transport, communications and agriculture workers.