Celebraciones del centenario de la independencia del Ecuador

This decoration, created in 1921 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the independence of Ecuador, stands as the most important award in the country.

The Grand Collar consists on 28 golden links depicting arabesque motifs. The medallion is formed by a cross with silver and diamond embedded arms upon a laurel wreath. At its center, an oval disc depicts the snow covered Andes and the sun high in the sky. An outer inscription reads: “REPUBLICA DEL ECUADOR – AL MÉRITO”.

President Eduardo Frei made a state visit to Ecuador. During his visit the Declaration of Quito was signed. He was awarded with the decoration, on August 18th, 1996 by provisional President Clemente Yerovi Indaburu.