The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana) is the most senior Italian order of merit. It was established in 1951 by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi.The highest-ranking honour of the Republic, it is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. The post-nominal letters for the order are OMRI.The order effectively replaced national orders such as the Civil Order of Savoy (1831), the Order of the Crown of Italy (1868), the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572) and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (1362). Source: Wikipedia (en)