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The Legion of Honour is a national order of France, meaning a public incorporated body. The Legion is regulated by a civil law code, the "Code of the Legion of Honour and of the Military Medal".
- List of Légion D'honneur Recipients by Name
Lists of Légion d'honneur recipients. The French government...
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On 16 January 2014, Puga, Chief of the Military Staff of the...
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- List of Légion D'honneur Recipients by Name
Legion of Honour, premier order of the French republic, created by Napoleon Bonaparte, then first consul, on May 19, 1802, as a general military and civil order of merit conferred without regard to birth or religion provided that anyone admitted swears to uphold liberty and equality.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- What Is It?
- What Is Its Purpose?
- Who Is Eligible?
- How Many Have Received It?
- Can One Apply For It?
- Can It Be Turned Down?
- Can It Be Taken away?
- What Does It Look like?
- When and How Is It worn?
- How Is It Evolving?
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The Legion of Honor is the highest French decoration and one of the most famous in the world. For two centuries, it has been presented on behalf of the Head of State to reward the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity.
As an honor, the Legion of Honor does not include any actual material or financial benefit. However, it is an invaluable source of pride for the recipients and their families and an example of civic service made public.
Any French citizen with no criminal record, who has demonstrated outstanding merits in the service of the nation, in a military or a civilian capacity. Twenty years of activity at least are required to qualify for the Legion of Honor.
The Legion of Honor has 79,000 members. On average, 2000 French and 300 foreigners are decorated each year.
The Legion of Honor cannot be applied for. French ministers are responsible for identifying potential honorees, relying on the societal network (parliamentarians, mayors, employers, leaders of trade unions or non-profit organizations, presidents of professional or sports federations...).
Some people express their objection in principle to the Legion of Honor though they have not received it. In their case, we cannot speak of refusal. Turning down the Legion of Honor implies prior admittance to the Order, by decree published in the Official Journal. In this very rare case of refusal, the relevant individuals choose not to receive th...
The honor can be revoked in the event of criminal conviction, or any action that is dishonorable or that may harm the interests of France. The exclusion measure is announced by decree.
The color of the ribbon is red. The badge is a five-armed Maltese asterisk hung on an oak and laurel wreath. On the obverse is the effigy of the Republic and on the reverse two tricolor flags surrounded by the motto "Honneur et Patrie" (Honor and Fatherland).
The Legion of Honor is worn before any other French or foreign insignia, on the left-hand side. On informal attire, one wears lapel insignia (ribbon or rosette). Pendants and small-size decorations are preferred for official ceremonies. The military has its own rules for wearing insignia.
The Legion of Honor belongs to its time and adapts to changes in society. It recognizes more and more the role of non-profit organizations end employees, the life achievements of persons of modest origins, and the place of women through strict gender parity in each civilian awardees class.
Learn about the history, purpose, eligibility, and symbolism of the highest French decoration, awarded by the Head of State. Find out how to wear the Legion of Honor and how it evolves with the times.
Lists of Légion d'honneur recipients. The French government gives out the Legion of Honour awards, to both French [1] and foreign [2] nationals, based on a recipient's exemplary services rendered to France, or to the causes supported by France.
The Legion of Honor was founded on May 19, 1802, by First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte, in a hostile context. After lengthy discussions at the Council of State, it was adopted by 56 votes for and 38 against by the Tribunat, and 166 votes for and 110 against by the Corps législatif (legislative body).
The Legion of Honor has a universal calling: to reward both military and civilian merit. Honorees strive for the progress of France, for her renown, for her defense.
The French Legion of Honor was created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France. It is the highest distinction that can be conferred in France on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner.
