The Dutch Minister of Defense has knighted GEN David Petraeus, USA (Ret) at the Hague. There are several Orders of Knighthood in the Netherland, some the responsibility of the Ministry, others solely the purview of the Crown. Though there are no details yet, it is likely GEN Petraeus was Knighted into the Military William Order, the Order of the Netherlands Lion or the Order of Orange Nassau. As the Military William Order (the highest honor the Dutch can give) and Order of Orange Nassau are the two military decorations
it is likely one of these. The motto of the Military William Order is Vor Moed, Beleid en Trouw, or “For Bravery, Leadership and Loyalty”; there are seven levels of the Order of Orange Nassau. Both are open to foreigners. We’ll have to see which one GEN Petraeus earned.
-DR
Tags: David Petraeus
He earned the Grand Cross, which is the highest decoration within the Order of Orange Nassau.
http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2012/03/16/46193938/Amerikaanse_generaal_Petraeus_koninklijk_onderscheiden
The American General David Petraeus was appointed today at the Ministry of Defence the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Orange Nassau with swords.
Petraeus received this high royal honors in recognition of his outstanding services to the Netherlands during his various military commanding posts, especially during the mission in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Hans Hillen Hillen presented the award. Minister Petraeus thanked in his speech for the unconditional support to the Dutch troops and driving force behind a successful mission. Through his personal efforts for cooperation between the Netherlands and America, the Netherlands could achieve significant operational successes with the Task Force Uruzgan.Commandant Isaf since September 6, 2011, David Petraeus is now Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He previously served as commander U.S. Central Command in Florida and as commander of the Multi-National Force – Iraq. From July 2010 he was a year commander of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
Petraeus is the first American general since World War II who received the high honor. The former four-star general, who as the son of a Dutch father Frisian roots has received his decorations in the presence of Dutch (old) and his military colleagues Frisian relatives. Commissioner of the Province of Friesland Jorritsma John handed the General’s family tree dating back to the year 1599.
Petraeus responded enthusiastically to his award, he praised the good cooperation with the Netherlands and the quality of the Dutch soldiers. He shut off applicable in Dutch: “The Netherlands, for ever!”
“Sir” is the honorary title that British recipients of a Knighthood from the Queen of England receive.
I haven’t found any info pertaining to a recipient of this award being granted any kind of special title as well, and if they did it wouldn’t be “Sir”.
From the Dutch Monarchy’s website about the decoration:
“In addition to the decorations, the person being honoured receives a deed stating his/her name and the grade of the honour.” (no mention of a special title).
Of course you’re right and even if he had been Knighted by HRH he couldn’t have accepted the title of “Sir”. The author took a little artistic license to convey the Knighting.
Does anyone know whether GEN Petraeus, because he’s the current Director, CIA, obtained prior approval from Congress to receive the honor as required by the US Constitution, Article I, Section 9? DIRCIA is doubtless an Office of Trust.
“No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.”
Good question, and one that needs a good answer.
Probably Not he would not be the Only one to Ignore it, Has not Obama already done so.
The Destruction of the Military structure continues apace
He did not accept a title in the sense listed in the Constitution, smart ass (or is it dumb ass, I’m not sure). He was given a foreign decoration for service, in this case, by the Dutch. The “Emolument, Office, or Title” section of the Constitution you quote so incorrectly speaks directly to titles or positions that might give someone rank, position, land, or political power in a foreign country. Foreign awards like the one that GEN Petraeus accepted have been awarded to US military officers (who are, in fact, considered to hold offices of trust) since at least WWI.
Aside from your rudeness, Tyler, you say this knighting by the Dutch is really “only” the equivalent of a medal? This would be good as I think Petraeus desserves recognition and I’d be disappointed in him if he ignored Constitutional requirements. The Wikipedia entry seems to confirm this is the case, and even that the article’s characterization of this award as a “knighting” is exaggerated or plain wrong: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Orange-Nassau
As for quoting the Consititution, usconstitution.net shows the exact wording at the end of Article 1, Section 9, to be:
“No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.”
My Dad used to say pick a spot you are all ass, so you can take your pick to but I loved him He was and is allowed.
YOU I am not so sure about !