I think it's ready to exist outside of my sandbox (but it needs proofreading by native speakers)
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{{Event
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|image=[[File:Medal ceremony Yavin 4.PNG|250px]]
|name=Royal Award Ceremony
|timeframe=
|conflict=
|date=[[0 BBY]]{{Ref|
''[[The New Essential Chronology]]''
}} (35:3 GrS){{Ref|
''[[The Essential Atlas]]'' states that the [[Battle of Yavin]] occurred in year 35, which is the zero point of the [[Galactic Standard Calendar|BBY/ABY year-notation system]], so the difference between the calendar based on the Battle of Yavin and the [[Great ReSynchronization]]'s year-notation system is thirty-five years. This date is derived from simple math based upon other confirmed dates.
}}
|place=[[Grand Audience Chamber]], [[Great Temple (Yavin 4)|Great Temple]], [[Massassi Site]], [[Yavin 4]]{{Ref|
[[Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin'', Second Edition]]
}}
|outcome=
|key=
|participants=*[[Leia Organa Solo|Leia Organa]]{{Ref|
''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope]]''
}}
*[[Luke Skywalker]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Han Solo]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Chewbacca]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Jan Dodonna]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Vanden Willard]]{{Ref|
''[[Star Wars Journal: Captive to Evil]]''
}}
*[[Deacon Eso]]{{Ref|
{{InsiderCite|133|Rogues Gallery (Star Wars Insider)|Rogues Gallery}}
}}
*[[Caf Treblanc]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Tyr Taskeen]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[C-3PO]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Bob Hudsol]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Duron Veertag]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Anj Zavor]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[R2-D2]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Arhul Hextrophon]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Voren Na'al]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Evram Lajaie]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Pashna Starkiller]]{{Ref|
}}
*[[Morts Werl]]{{Ref|
}}
*Hundreds of Alliance personnel{{Ref|
[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (novel)|''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'' novel]]
}}}}
{{Quote|Leia says there's going to be a big celebration later, and advised me to shower and rest. I've just realized how hungry I am. A feast certainly sounds good. We've got a lot to celebrate. And to remember.|Extract from Luke Skywalker's journal|Star Wars Journal: The Fight for Justice}}
A '''Royal Award Ceremony''' was held within the ruins of the [[Great Temple (Yavin 4)|Great Temple]] on [[Yavin 4]] following the [[Battle of Yavin]] in [[0 BBY]]. During this ceremony, [[Leia Organa Solo|Leia Organa]], [[Prince]]ss of [[Alderaan]], honored [[Luke Skywalker]], [[Han Solo]] and [[Chewbacca]] for their heroic roles in destroying the [[DS-1 Orbital Battle Station|Death Star]].
In front of hundreds of troops and technicians, the [[Heroes of Yavin]] were awarded the [[Medal of Bravery]], the highest decoration for military valor given by the [[Alliance to Restore the Republic]]. Despite not being "alive", the [[droid]] partners [[C-3PO]] and [[R2-D2]] also received honors during the ceremony, being placed on the podium on the side of the Princess.
The medal awarding ceremony was followed by a series of speeches from Alliance officials, and then a feast, a time of revelry during which many [[toast (ritual)|toasts]] were drunk in honor of the new heroes. Chewbacca was also awarded his own [[gold]]en medal in a more humble and intimate setting.
==History==
{{Quote|They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Naturally, they became heroes.|Leia Organa|Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (novel)}}
[[File:Leiadeathstar.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Heroes of Yavin met on a mission to rescue Princess Leia from the Death Star.]]
In [[0 BBY]],
the [[Alliance to Restore the Republic]] engaged in its first decivise battle during the [[Galactic Civil War]], the outcome of which was the first major victory against the [[Galactic Empire]]. This space battle, known as the [[Battle of Yavin]], occured in the shadow of the [[gas giant]] [[Yavin Prime]],
''[[A Guide to the Star Wars Universe (Second Edition)|''A Guide to the Star Wars Universe'', Second Edition]]''
in the [[Outer Rim Territories]],
''[[Geonosis and the Outer Rim Worlds]]''
and resulted in the the destruction of the [[DS-1 Orbital Battle Station|first Death Star]].
The victory at Yavin was the work of a set of unusual heroes: [[Luke Skywalker]] a farmboy from [[Tatooine]] turned [[Padawan|Jedi Apprentice]], [[Han Solo]], a [[Corellian]] rogue, and [[Chewbacca]], Solo's [[Wookiee]] copilot. [[Prince]]ss [[Leia Organa Solo|Leia Organa]] of [[Alderaan]], who had been rescued from the Imperials by the heroes, became the figurehead of the Alliance.
===Preparations===
{{Quote|Han Solo has refused to participate in the ceremony. Luke tried to talk him into it, but it didn't do any good. So Luke came to me. He asked me to try. "Use your diplomatic skills," he said.|Extract from Leia Organa's journal|Star Wars Journal: Captive to Evil}}
Following the victory, [[General]] [[Vanden Willard]] suggested that a triumph ceremony was in order, to which Princess Leia agreed.
The ominous [[Grand Audience Chamber]], the stone hall located at the top of the Temple, was chosen to host the ceremony. While the Chamber was being prepared for the gathering, Leia Organa suggested Luke Skywalker to take a [[shower]] and some time to [[Sleep|rest]] in the meantime.
''[[Star Wars Journal: The Fight for Justice]]
When the Princess heard that the Corellian pilot Han Solo intended to frown upon the celebration, she summoned him to her chambers in the [[Senatorial Quarters (Great Temple)|Senatorial Quarters]]. Organa tried to convince Solo to show up, though she still was not sure he would at the end of their conversation. The [[droid]] companions of the heroes were also prepared for the ceremony. The [[Astromech droid|astro droid]] [[R2-D2]], who had sustained [[laser cannon]] damage during the Death Star trench run, had been repaired and shined. His colleague [[C-3PO]], a [[Protocol droid|protocol unit]] with a [[gold]]en plating, was so anxious to look pristine that he asked four times for more metal polish.
The two robots nearly missed the ceremony, as the grooming of R2-D2 had taken longer than expected, but they finally made it in time.
''[[Star Wars Droids 8: Star Wars According to the Droids, Book III]]''
===The ceremony===
{{Quote|Suddenly, the door zoomed open, and there we were. Rebels were lined up in formation like they were the leaders of the entire Galactic Empire.|Han Solo to Sai'da|Star Wars Journal: Hero for Hire}}
The ceremony officially began when Skywalker, Solo and Chewbacca entered the Grand Audience Chamber with the sound of the trumpets. The heroes were dressed in their finest: Solo wore a clean cream shirt he had been saving for a special occasion, and Skywalker wore a black tunic under an Alliance-issue yellow flight jacket.
[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (junior novelization)|''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'' junior novel]]
Hundreds of troops were gathered on either side of the hall, forming a guard of honor. Down the center aisle past all their troops, the Alliance officials stood on a raised dais.
Princess Leia Organa, who had been asked to preside the formal ceremony, wore the trademark white dress of the [[House of Organa|Alderaan Royal Family]].
''[[Star Wars: Behind the Magic]]''
She was flanked by the generals Vanden Willard
and [[Jan Dodonna]], and the Rebel [[senator]]s. The refurbished R2-D2 and C-3PO were also on the podium.
[[File:Heroes of Yavin and their medals.png|thumb|300px|Skywalker and Solo receive their award from the hands of Leia Organa.]]The heroes of the day then walked down the aisle, the two Humans in the front, followed by the Wookiee. When the three friends reached the end of the room, the troops made a quarter turn to the left in order to face the dais.
Chewbacca stopped on a lower step than his companions because he was uncomfortable with the situation.
Princess Leia stepped forward and placed the [[Medal of Bravery]] around Solo's neck, who winked at her with a smile. The Princess then repeated the ceremony with the young Skywalker, who was very moved.
Each of the heroes reacted to the royal honors according to his personality—Chewbacca was confused and showed signs of running for cover,
Solo couldn't take his award seriously and Skywalker humbly realized what a tribute he was being paid.
The shined-up R2-D2 started beeping with happiness, showing how proud he was of his new masters,
{{InsiderCite|111|Inside Artoo!}}
and his friend C-3PO patted the small droid's dome in approval. The heroes then bowed to the princess, turned and finally faced the assembly, who gave full vent to their feelings by applauding and cheering loudly.
===Merry-making and last-minute award===
{{Quote|Up you go, your worship—there's unfinished business that was a bit too lofty for the steps of the Ceremonial Hall.|Han Solo to Leia Organa|The Day after the Death Star!}}
[[File:Toast in the Audience Chamber.PNG|thumb|200px|left|During the feast, many toasts were drunk following the destruction of the Death Star.]]
Once the official ceremony was over, the Grand Audience chamber transformed into a reception hall and hosted a grand feast. The victory against the Galactic Empire had been a great one to the Alliance, and so too was the merry-making in its name. During the party, the [[toast (ritual)|toasts]] came often and exhuberantly, with many attendants rising their glasses in honor of the Heroes of Yavin. At some point during the revelry, Solo and Skywalker carried the Princess away, arguing there was "unfinished business" that needed to be taken care of.
''[[The Day after the Death Star!]]''
Indeed, Chewbacca had not received a medal, as Wookiees wouldn't put any meaning into tangible awards.
However, his [[Human]] friends decided he deserved his Medal of Bravery regardless. The Princess of Alderaan, who was too short to reach the Wookiee's neck, stood on a table and presented Chewbacca with his own decoration.
===Legacy===
{{Dialogue|Jaina Solo|Every time we come in here, I think of those old videoclips of the ceremony where Mother handed out medals to Uncle Luke and Dad. She looked so pretty.|Jacen Solo|Yeah, and Dad looked like such a ... such a pirate.|Jaina Solo|Well, he was a smuggler in those days.|attr=Jaina and Jacen Solo|src=Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force}}
Around [[4 ABY]], Han Solo mentioned the Award Ceremony when [[Sai'da]], a history-enthusiast [[B'omarr Order|B'omarr Monk]], asked him about the his involvement with the Alliance. Solo confessed his initial reluctance to stay for the ceremony and admitted that Princess Leia was the one who got him to do it. The Corellian then gave Sai'da a detailed and somewhat emotional account of the event. Solo stated the ceremony made him wonder what kind of better man he could become, not just how he would make the next cash transaction.
''[[Star Wars Journal: Hero for Hire]]''
[[File:Luke alone in the Chamber-JKJO.png|thumb|200px|The Grand Audience Chamber in [[12 ABY]], now part of Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy]]
Years later, the Galactic Empire was defeated, and the Alliance established a democratic government, the [[New Republic]]. The Great Temple of Yavin 4 had become a [[Jedi academy]] where Luke Skywalker, now a [[Jedi Master]], taught many students the ways of [[the Force]]. Everytime he gathered his apprentices in the Grand Audience Chamber, Skywalker had fond memories of the victory celebration following the destruction of the Death Star, remembering how Princess Leia had presented medals to him and Han Solo and Chewbacca.
''[[Dark Apprentice (novel)]]''
Images and sounds from the Royal Award Ceremony had been recorded so the future generations could watch [[Hologram|holographic]] rebroadcasts of this important milestone in the history of the Alliance. The young [[Jaina Solo|Jaina]], daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa, once commented on the beauty of her mother, to which her brother [[Darth Caedus|Jacen]] added their father looked like a [[pirate]].
''[[Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force]]''
==Behind the scenes==
{{Quote|At the far end stands a vision in white, the beautiful young Senator Leia. Luke and the other solemnly march up the long aisle and kneel before Senator Leia.|Extract from the final script of ''A New Hope''|Star Wars: Behind the Magic}}
[[File:Yavin celebration at Shepperton.jpg|thumb|250px|The triumph ceremony was filmed at Shepperton Studios, England.]]
The triumph celebration was the final scene in ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope]]'', the first installment of the [[original trilogy]], which was released in [[1977]].
The ceremony was shot at the massive Stage H of the [[Shepperton Studios]], located in [[Wikipedia:Shepperton|Shepperton]], [[Wikipedia:England|England]], while most of the interior scenes of the movie had been filmed at [[Elstree Studios]], just outside of [[Wikipedia:London|London]]. At the time, Elstree Studios could not offer a stage large enough to portray the Audience Chamber, whence the shooting was relocated to Shepperton.
The filmmakers originally intended to use a matte painting to create the vast assembly present for the triumph ceremony. However, this proved too difficult, anf the extras were filmed at the near end of the stage, then relocated into the middle and filmed again, and finally moved to the far end of the room and filmed one last time. Ironically, during the filming of this final scene, the extras were anything but reverent toward [[Harrison Ford]] and [[Mark Hamill]], who portrayed Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. Extras believed the film would be a flop, so they whispered insults and openly mocked the actors while they were walking down the set.
Many of the versions of the movie script ended with a celebration. In the rough and first drafts, Princess Leia was crowned Queen, and in the third and early fourth drafts, Obi-Wan Kenobi attended the ceremony, having survived his encounter with Darth Vader. In the novel adaptation of ''A New Hope'', the scene was almost identical to the one in the movie, although the Grand Audience Chamber was decorated in "the banners of the many worlds which had lent their support to the Rebellion". The novelization also had C-3PO marching down the aisle beside the heroes, with R2-D2 joining the group once they reached the dais.
[[File:Triumph of the Will - Congress Hall.jpg|thumb|left|The ceremony from ''Triumph des Willens'']]
This end ceremony segment emulates, almost shot-for-shot, a similar scene in ''[[Wikipedia:Triumph of the Will|Triumph des Willens]]'', a [[1930s|1934]] Nazi propaganda film made by [[Wikipedia:Leni Riefenstahl|Leni Riefenstahl]]. Both segments feature a large and enthusiastic crowd gathered in a ceremony hall bounded by columns, with a low podium where the leader stands—in ''Triumph des Willens'', [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]] was the leader in question.
This similiarity is surprising, as the Nazi references in ''Star Wars'' generally involve the Galactic Empire of Palpatine, whose authoritarian regime mirrors Hitler's Third Reich.
''[[Star Wars: The Magic of Myth (book)|Star Wars: The Magic of Myth]]''
While this event has been mostly referred to as "the ceremony", its official name was revealed by the protocol droid C-3PO in the [[Star Wars Droids 8: Star Wars According to the Droids, Book III|final issue]] of the ''[[Star Wars: Droids (Marvel)|Star Wars: Droids]]'' series of comics: "Yes, you ''will'' look nice for the Award Ceremony Art—the Royal Award Ceremony?"
==Appearances==
*''[[Star Wars: Empire 9: Darklighter, Part 2]]''
*[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (novel)|''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'' novel]] {{1st}}
*''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope]]''
*[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (junior novelization)|''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'' junior novel]]
*''[[LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy]]'' {{Nc}}
*''[[Star Wars: Empire 15: Darklighter, Part 4]]''
*''[[Star Wars 6: Is This the Final Chapter?]]''
*''[[Star Wars Droids 8: Star Wars According to the Droids, Book III]]''
*''[[Star Wars Journal: Captive to Evil]]''
*''[[Princess Leia: Rebel Leader]]''
*''[[Star Wars Journal: The Fight for Justice]]''
*''[[The Day after the Death Star!]]''
*''[[Tag & Bink Are Dead]]'' {{Nc}}
*''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'' {{Flash}}
*''[[A Valentine Story]]'' {{Flash}}
*''[[Star Wars Journal: Hero for Hire]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[X-wing Rogue Squadron: Apple Jacks Special Bonus Story]]'' {{Flash}}
*''[[Prophets of the Dark Side (book)|Prophets of the Dark Side]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Dark Apprentice (novel)|Dark Apprentice]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force]]'' {{Mo}}
==Sources==
*''[[Star Wars: The Magic of Myth (book)|Star Wars: The Magic of Myth]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Behind the Magic]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary]]'' {{C|Appears in a picture}}
*''[[Inside the Worlds of Star Wars Trilogy]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide]]'' {{C|Appears in a picture}}
*''[[Star Wars: Complete Locations]]''
*{{CSWECite|I|358|Grand Audience Chamber}}
*{{InsiderCite|133|Rogues Gallery (Star Wars Insider)|Rogues Gallery}}
==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Ceremonies]]