Blue red white silk scarf "Order of the Legion of Honour"

The French Revolution of 1789, the echoes of which reach us even today, was one of the most significant events in world history. According to the motto "liberty, equality, fraternity", the monarchy was destroyed, and with it all the privileges and preferences of the elite were abolished. But under conditions of military transformation and coup d'état, the forcibly equalized society was not viable, people needed additional encouragement and insignia. After all, why try to be better and stronger than others?

Napoleon Bonaparte, as First Consul of the French Republic, decided to create an organization similar to the ancient Roman army and medieval chivalry. So, on May 19, 1802, despite the resistance of the State Council, National Order of the Legion of Honour was established.

To be a member of the Legion of Honour still is the highest recognition of merit, a measure of prestige, status and esteem. Membership does not bring significant tangible benefits, it is the official insignia. Not by chance the Order's motto is "Honour and Fatherland". Members of the Order are accepted for outstanding achievements in military or civil sphere. The applicant is awarded by the President of France, who also holds the position of Grand Master of the Order.

The order is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Knight (Chevalier), Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. For the first time in history, the Order became a universal organization that did not recognize social or national restrictions. The award of merit has awarded to women and men of different classes, both French and foreign figures. With rare exceptions, the Order is not posthumously accepted. As General de Gaulle said: "The Legion of Honour is a community of the elite of the living".

Today the Order of the Legion of Honor is one of the symbols of France and an important social institution of the French society.