Grand Cross Of The Legion Of Honour: All About France's Highest Civilian Award Conferred To PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian honour of France during his visit to Paris. Here's all about the 'Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday conferred with France's highest civilian award 'Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour' in a ceremony held at Elysee Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron. Tweeting the photographs of Macron conferring the award, the Minister of External Affairs spokesperson said, "A warm gesture embodying the spirit of India-France partnership." Notably, PM Modi was accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Paris on a two-day visit on Thursday. He will join Macron for the French National Day celebrations on Friday as the Guest of Honour.
Here's All About The Grand Cross Of The Legion Of Honour
The Award: 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 per the official website of the award.
Purpose: 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.
Eligibility: 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.
Number Of Recipients: The Legion of Honor has 79,000 members. On average, 2200 French and 300 foreigners are decorated each year.
Selection: 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...).
Turning Down: 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 the decoration.
Taking Away: 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.
Appearance: 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).
Wearing The Cross: 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.
Degrees: The Legion of Honour, which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte, consists of five degrees. They are- Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, and Grand Cross. PM Modi was awarded with the highest, the Grand Cross.
Other Leaders Who Received This: Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, King Charles - the then Prince of Wales (now King of Britain), the former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, the former Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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