Medal of the 40th Anniversary of People's Poland
The Medal of the 40th Anniversary of People's Poland (Polish: Medal 40-lecia Polski Ludowej) serves as a historical marker of the socialist era in Poland. Established to honor the contributions of the workforce, this civil decoration was a symbolic gesture of recognition for those who aided in the development of the socialist state.
Key Facts
- Established: April 26, 1984
- Award Period: July 22, 1984, to July 22, 1985
- Total Issued: 1,217,940 medals
- Issuing Authority: Polish Council of State
- Diameter: 32 mm
- Status: No longer awarded (disestablished in 1992)
Historical Context and Purpose
The medal was officially established by the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish parliament) on April 26, 1984. Its primary purpose was to recognize the efforts of working people who contributed to the growth and stability of the People's Republic of Poland. As a civilian award, it was presented by the Polish Council of State to a wide range of eligible citizens.
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A Tradition of Anniversary Medals
The 40th-anniversary decoration was not an isolated event but part of a broader tradition of commemorative awards. Similar medals were previously created to mark other significant milestones of the state, specifically the 10th anniversary in 1954 and the 30th anniversary in 1974.
Technical Specifications and Distribution
The medal is characterized by its 32 mm diameter and is accompanied by a specific ribbon bar. Due to its nature as a mass-recognition award for the working class, the distribution was extensive, with over 1.2 million medals awarded within a single year.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Medal 40-lecia Polski Ludowej |
| Type | Civilian Medal |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| First Award Date | July 22, 1984 |
| Final Award Date | July 22, 1985 |
| Total Quantity | 1,217,940 |
| Disestablishment Year | 1992 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was eligible to receive this medal?
The medal was a civilian award intended for working people who contributed to the development of the socialist state in Poland.
When was the medal first and last awarded?
The first medals were awarded on July 22, 1984, and the final awards were distributed on July 22, 1985.
How many of these medals were produced?
A total of 1,217,940 medals were awarded during the eligibility period.
Is this medal still being awarded today?
No, the medal is no longer awarded. It was officially disestablished in 1992.
What other similar medals existed in Poland?
Poland established similar commemorative medals for the 10th anniversary (1954) and the 30th anniversary (1974) of the People's Republic of Poland.