Samantha Cristoforetti has been awarded with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al merito della Repubblica Italiana) today by President Mattarella. "She has been followed with affection and love by all Italians" said the Italian President while handing a paper to the young lady.

The Order of Merit was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951. The highest ranking honour of the Republic, it is awarded for "the merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers.

Fonte: L'italo-Americano