Chevalier de la legion d'honneur - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit for military and civil achievements, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
- 2. The Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) is the lowest rank within the Legion of Honour.
- 3. To be awarded the Legion of Honour, individuals must demonstrate outstanding service to France in various fields such as military, culture, science, and philanthropy.
- 4. The award is made by the President of the French Republic on the advice of a selection committee. It is not possible to apply for the Legion of Honour; individuals must be nominated by someone else.
- 5. The insignia of the Legion of Honour for a Chevalier consists of a red enameled five-armed cross with a wreath of laurel leaves in the center and a white enameled medallion with the phrase "Honneur et Patrie" (Honor and Fatherland).
- 6. Recipients of the Legion of Honour are entitled to wear a small rosette on their lapel to signify their membership in the Order.
- 7. The Legion of Honour is not limited to French citizens; foreign nationals can also be awarded the honor for their exceptional contributions to France.
- 8. The Legion of Honour is divided into five classes: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).
- 9. The Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur is the most common rank within the Legion of Honour and is often awarded to individuals for a lifetime of service or achievement.
- 10. Being awarded the Legion of Honour is a prestigious and highly respected honor in France, and recipients are often celebrated and recognized for their contributions to society.