Légion d'honneur

The Légion d'honneur (in English: Legion of Honor) is an order of merit given by the Government of France. First instituted by Emperor Napoleon I on May 19, 1802, it is one of the most prestigious French awards and the country's highest civilian honor.

Table of contents

1 Description 2 Distinctions 3 Museum of the Legion of Honor 4 See also 5 External link

Description

The order is conferred upon men and women, either French citizens or foreigners, for outstanding achievements in military or civil life. In practice, in current usage, the order is conferred to many entrepreneurs, high-level civil servants, sport champions as well as other people with high connections in the executive.

According to some sources, Napoleon declared: On appelle ça des hochets, je sais, on l'a dit déjà. Et bien, j'ai répondu que c'est avec des hochets que l'on mène les hommes. — "These are called [trinkets], I know, it has already been said. Well, I answered that it's with [trinkets] that you lead people." (the actual word hochet means a child's rattle).

Distinctions

The award consists of five classes. In descending order of distinction, they are:

1. Grand Cross,
2. Grand Officer,
3. Commander,
4. Officer,
5. Knight.

• State decoration
• List of prizes, medals, and awards

• Website of the Legion of Honor