They are often awarded to foreign presidents, ambassadors or honored guests for their contributions in providing for friendly relations between two countries. Today the better known medals are the American Congressional Medal of Honor, the Victory Medal for World War I, England's Victoria Cross, Germany's Iron Cross and France's National Order of Merit.
現今各國較著名的勳章有：美國國會勳章及勝利勳章、德國鐵十字勳章、英國維多利亞十字勳章、法國國家勳章… … 等。隨著交通及傳播事業的發達，國與國之間的關係日趨密切，各國也常將勳章頒贈給友邦元首或使節，以酬謝他們對增進兩國友誼的貢獻。