Lapin Star of Valour

Design

The medal is a star of eight equal limbs rendered in Meteoric Iron, with the obverse enameled in blue and edged with silver, and bearing at the centre a gold rabbit's head surrounded by a gold laurel wreath. On the reverse is the Royal Cypher of the reigning Chief Rabbit and a crown above, on the upper point, while the words VALOUR • VAILLANCE (French) are etched below, extending along the upper edge of the two lateral points of the star. The recipient's name and the date of the incident for which they are being honoured are engraved in the centre of the medal, underneath the motto.   This medallion is worn suspended from a light blue striped ribbon with gold pinstripes around the neck; a miniature gold rabbit head may be worn on the ribbon bar in undress. Should an individual already possessing a Star of Valour be awarded the medal again for subsequent valourous acts, they are granted a silver eight-pointed star to be carried on the same ring from which the original rabbit head is hung. No bars have been issued to date.

The medallions are cast directly from their sourced metals. While rusting is uncommon for meteoric iron, especially if worn or handled regularly, the iron parts of the medal are still encased in a thin zinc-rich protective coating to prevent corrosion.

In the establishment of the Lapin Protectorate, the Mother of Bunnies thought it important to find a way to recognize acts of valour and heroism in the newly minted nation. With a large population of former Canadians, along with a sizeable population of formerly American refugees, she drew upon the traditions of both Canada and the United States in the creation of the Lapin honours system. The Lapin Star of Valour is inspired by the Canadian Cross of Valour and the American Silver Star.