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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Star
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Star

Artifact IDMO 63.1711.2d
Object Type Cross
Date 1961
Date Presented10/6/1961
Gifter
Place MadeJerusalem, Isreal
Medium Silver, gold, enamel
DimensionsOverall H 3 1/8 in x W 3 1/8 in (7.9 cm x 7.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionSilver pin with gold and black Latin crowned cross in center surrounded by gold and green enamel laurel wreath, set on an 8-point silver star. This star is awarded simultaneously with the Grand Cross, granting membership for Mrs. John F. Kennedy into, and is the symbol of rank of Knight Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Historical NoteThis award was bestowed upon First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by His Beatitude Benedictos I, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the White House on October 6, 1961. Knight Grand Cross is one of the five classes of rank bestowed by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Membership in the Order is reserved solely for practicing Roman Catholics. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem can trace its origins to Godfrey de Bouillon of the first Crusade, who gathered around him a group of knights who were entrusted with the protection of the religious Chapter of Canons who were present at the Holy Sepulchre of Christ. For twenty years, these knights, and those who came to join their number, protected the Christian presence at the Holy Sepulchre, taking as their banner the red Jerusalem cross popularized by the crusading knights.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy; Gift of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
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