History

The Order of Liberty (Ordem da Liberdade) was created on October 4, 1976 following the Carnation Revolution in an effort to recognize the values and sacrifices of the revolutionaries. The Carnation Revolution of 1974 deposed the corporatist authoritarian Estado Novo regime of António de Oliveira Salazar and Marcello Caetano.

With six grades: Grand Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight/Dame, the Order is a honorific civil order conferred upon national and foreign individuals, or institutions, in recognition of distinguished contributions to human rights and social justice as well as the promotion of democracy and freedom.

The Grand Collar can also be granted by the President of Portugal to former Heads of State and others whose deeds are of an extraordinary nature and particular relevance to Portugal.

The Grand Collar is conferred upon foreign heads of state. It is composed of alternating links of flames encased in laurel wreaths and crosses.