150° Anniversary of the first distribution of the Legion of Honor
The Legion of Honor.
On 29 Floréal, year
The new order, due to the initiative of the First Consul Bonaparte, was intended to be an elite body intended to bring together the courage of the military with the talents of civilians, thus forming the basis of a new society in the service of the Nation.
On Floréal 14, year If honors were only awarded to the military, this preference would be even worse because, then, the Nation would be nothing.”
It therefore extended to all citizens the principle of national decorations established in article 87 of the Constitution of Year VIII and reserved “for warriors who have rendered brilliant services while fighting for the Republic”.
It was made up of four ranks (legionary, officer, commander, grand officer). The dignity of great eagle or great decoration was not created until 1805 (January 30). Excluding dazzling actions, a length of service of twenty-five years was required both for military services in peacetime and for civilian functions. Holders of the Legion of Honor, after receiving a letter of advice, had to take an oath to the Republic, then to the Emperor.
The institution was administered by a grand council which appointed the Grand Chancellor, originally the Count of Lacépède. The headquarters of the order was established at the Salm Palace, purchased for this purpose on May 3, 1804, where it is still located today.
On 29 Floréal, year
The new order, due to the initiative of the First Consul Bonaparte, was intended to be an elite body intended to bring together the courage of the military with the talents of civilians, thus forming the basis of a new society in the service of the Nation.
On Floréal 14, year If honors were only awarded to the military, this preference would be even worse because, then, the Nation would be nothing.”
It therefore extended to all citizens the principle of national decorations established in article 87 of the Constitution of Year VIII and reserved “for warriors who have rendered brilliant services while fighting for the Republic”.
It was made up of four ranks (legionary, officer, commander, grand officer). The dignity of great eagle or great decoration was not created until 1805 (January 30). Excluding dazzling actions, a length of service of twenty-five years was required both for military services in peacetime and for civilian functions. Holders of the Legion of Honor, after receiving a letter of advice, had to take an oath to the Republic, then to the Emperor.
The institution was administered by a grand council which appointed the Grand Chancellor, originally the Count of Lacépède. The headquarters of the order was established at the Salm Palace, purchased for this purpose on May 3, 1804, where it is still located today.