Order of the Palmetto

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The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina.

Gov. John West created the Order of the Palmetto in 1971 to recognize lifetime achievement and service. It was modeled on similar honors bestowed in other states, such as the Kentucky colonel and North Carolina's Order of the Longleaf Pine, and it comes in the form of a framed plaque.

Over the years, the award was handed out to nearly anyone with a connection to the serving gubernatorial administration. In 2003, a panel was created to establish firm criteria for award eligibility. The goal was to change the perception that the order was a political send-off. Currently all nominations have to be in writing, not forwarded by a telephone call. Nominees who made a statewide accomplishment are eligible for the award, while those who make a local community or professional contribution are eligible for another honor - the Order of the Silver Crescent (both awards are taken from the two prominent features on the state flag: the Palmetto tree and the crescent moon). No sitting legislator up for election is eligible for any award.

Among the more eclectic recipients of the award are the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish, whom Gov. Jim Hodges recognized in 1999 for their charity efforts.