I am just checking in, but wanted to say I regret being absent from this site for so long.  Hopefully in a few months I will be able to dedicate more time to my interst in heraldry and this and related sites.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was designed by the Army Institute of Heraldry

In a country built on a system of checks and balances, it's intriguing to have an award that allows the President to reveal some personal preferences. Since February 1963, when John F. Kennedy's Executive Order made bestowing the Medal of Freedom a presidential privilege, the highest civilian honor in the nation has offered unique insight into the élite group of people who inspire our Commanders in Chief. Officially, the award, which President Obama is scheduled to present to 16 people on Aug. 12, is for those who have contributed "to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." It's not the most clear-cut definition — and over the years, the choices have caused some commotion.

DRAGOMIR ACOVIC INTERVIEW FOR DAILY NEWS PAPER PRAVDA

Crown and Double-headed eagle are symbols of the Serbia’s sovereignty! Hungary, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Russia have a Crown although they are all republics Serbia’s Parliament is to adopt today a law regarding use of the state symbols. It has been three years since the Constitution to establish a flag, coat of arms and anthem was endorsed; it is the statute’s turn now.