This decision and its grounds are contained in presidential decree 22/25, dated January 31. In the document, cited by Angop, the head of state justifies the measure with the arduous sacrifice made by the people in the fight for the country's independence.
The decree also highlights the participation and valuable contribution of "his sons" in the military wings during the clandestine and armed struggle for national independence.
Furthermore, the document, cited by Angop, recognizes as fundamental to give special recognition to general officers who carried out their military service in an exemplary manner, thus providing a "lasting legacy for the Nation and for the Angolan Armed Forces".
Retired generals Artur Santos, João António Santana Lungo, Gouveia de Sá Miranda, Paulo de Sousa Alves dos Santos and Henrique Futi, as well as retired admiral João Pedro da Cunha Júnior and retired lieutenant generals António Mateus Júnior de Carvalho de Dilangue, António Joaquim Fernandes Dolisi and Alfredo Tyaunda are some of the names that make up the list of those decorated with the aforementioned medal.
It is worth remembering that the authorization of these decorations takes place in the year in which the country celebrates 50 years of national independence, celebrated on November 11th.
