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Why was this medal made?

This medal was created in 1978 to celebrate the birth of the Solomon Islands as a free nation. It marked the official end of British rule that had lasted for many years. The government made this award to honor the hard work it took to become an independent country.

Was this the country's first national medal?

Yes, this was the very first medal ever created just for the Solomon Islands. Before 1978, the islands did not have their own special awards to give out. It became a proud symbol for the people as they started their journey as a new sovereign nation.

Where was it given out?

The medals were handed out during large celebrations held in July 1978. These events took place in Honiara, which is the capital city of the islands. People from all over gathered there for parties and parades to cheer for their new independence.

Can someone still earn this medal today?

No, you cannot earn this medal anymore. It was only meant to be a special gift for the people who helped during the year 1978. Because the medal marks that one specific time in history, it is no longer given out.

The government gave these medals to important people who helped the country become free. This included police officers, community leaders, and public workers who finished their jobs during the transition to self-rule. These pioneers were honored for their special service to the new nation.

Why was this medal made?

This medal was created in 1978 to celebrate the birth of the Solomon Islands as a free nation. It marked the official end of British rule that had lasted for many years. The government made this award to honor the hard work it took to become an independent country.

Was this the country's first national medal?

Yes, this was the very first medal ever created just for the Solomon Islands. Before 1978, the islands did not have their own special awards to give out. It became a proud symbol for the people as they started their journey as a new sovereign nation.

Where was it given out?

The medals were handed out during large celebrations held in July 1978. These events took place in Honiara, which is the capital city of the islands. People from all over gathered there for parties and parades to cheer for their new independence.

Can someone still earn this medal today?

No, you cannot earn this medal anymore. It was only meant to be a special gift for the people who helped during the year 1978. Because the medal marks that one specific time in history, it is no longer given out.

The government gave these medals to important people who helped the country become free. This included police officers, community leaders, and public workers who finished their jobs during the transition to self-rule. These pioneers were honored for their special service to the new nation.

Home Library Solomon IslandsSolomon Islands Independence Medal

Service medal

Solomon Islands Independence Medal

A commemorative medal created in 1978 to celebrate the birth of an independent Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Established 1978 All servicesPrecedence: Commemorative, worn following long service awards

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to celebrate the achievement of national independence and recognize service during the transition to self-rule.

Eligibility

Security personnel, public servants, community leaders, and dignitaries serving during independence in 1978.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Commemorative, worn following long service awards

Solomon Islands Independence Medal, Service medal, Solomon Islands medal

History

The Solomon Islands Independence Medal was created in 1978 to mark the historic end of British colonial rule and the birth of a new sovereign nation. It was the very first distinct medal created for the Solomon Islands. A special honours committee developed the medal to distribute to pioneers, community chiefs, and members of the disciplined services who helped guide the country toward independence.

Unlike later medals that are worn around the neck, this medal was struck as a traditional chest medal suspended from a colored ribbon. It was presented in July 1978 during nationwide celebrations in the capital city of Honiara. It represents a proud turning point in the nation's history.