Légion d'honneur

The Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honor (AmE) or Legion of Honour (ComE)) is an Order of Chivalry awarded by the President of France. First instituted by Napoléon Bonaparte, First Consul of the French Republic, on May 19, 1802, it is one of the most prestigious French awards and the country's highest civilian honour. This Order replaces the previous Orders of Saint Michael, The Holy Spirit, Saint Louis, Saint Lazarus and Mount Carmel.

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, in addition to military recipients, to many entrepreneurs, high-level civil servants, sport champions as well as other people with high connections in the executive.

Related Topics:
Entrepreneur - Civil servants - Sport - Champion - Executive

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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 , I know, it has already been said. Well, I answered that it's with that you lead people." (The French word hochet means a child's rattle).

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