The Order of the Palmetto
The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. It is awarded to persons who make significant contributions to the state of South Carolina. It is a once in a lifetime achievement.
The first Order of the Palmetto was presented in 1971 and since then over 3,500 people have been recipients.
Some of the more well known people to have received an Order of the Palmetto are author Pat Conroy, Dr. Billy Graham, the Honorable Ernest "Fritz" Hollins, Governor Carroll Campbell, Bob Hope, singer James Brown, recording artist Hootie & the Blowfish & Darius Rucker, Wayland Henry Cato Jr. and the "Unknown Confederate Soldier".
The award comes in the form of a certificate or plaque that in part reads:
"In grateful recognition and friendship to the state of South Carolina and her people, I do hereby confer unto you the Order of the Palmetto with all the rights and privileges appertaining there to."
In 2003, Governor Mark Sanford created a panel to establish firm criteria for award eligibility. Those who make a significant statewide contribution are eligible for the Order of the Palmetto. The names and design of this award is based upon prominent features of the State of South Carolina flag.
Order of the Pametto Pin
1” gold plated bronze lapel pin
Raised and polished detail
Gold and light blue coloration
Deluxe clutch with stainless steel post
Pin arrives in black velvet presentation box
Made in America
Price including pin, box, and shipping: $125.00
Click to purchase Order of the Palmetto Pin
South Carolina State Flag History
The South Carolina General Assembly adopted the current version of the state flag on January 28, 1861.
The original design by Colonel William Moultrie in 1775 was for use by theSouth Carolina troops during the Revolutionary war. Colonel Moultrie chose a blue color which matched the color of their uniforms and a crescent which reproduced the silver emblem worn on the front of their caps.
The palmetto tree was added in 1861 as a reference to Colonel Moultrie’s heroic defense of Sullivan’sIsland. The fortress he’d constructed against the attack of the British fleet on June 28, 1776 survived largely because the palmetto trees, found on the island, were laid over sand walls and able to withstand the British cannons.
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