Order of Australia

Have you heard of the so-called "The Order of Australia?" The Order of Australia actually is an order of chivalry that Queen Elizabeth II established on February 14, 1975. This is to recognize citizens of Australia and other persons for their achievement or for their meritorious service. This recognition is divided into general and military divisions, knight or dame, companion, officer, member, and medal of the Order of Australia. History has it that even before Order of Australia was established, Australians received British recognitions.

Accordingly, this order was patterned closely to the Order of Canada. But if we are going to compare the two, the Order of Australia is more liberal in giving honorary awards for foreigners. However, the Order of Canada has only been awarded to twelve "foreigners" up to now. Incidentally, one of my favorite athlete in the field of swimming had been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia. Ian Thorpe is an Olympic gold medalist who is regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance swimmers of all time. He holds the records of having the most number of gold medals more than any other Australian. Because of that, he is also considered as the most celebrated Australian athletes of all time.