The ceremony of induction into the Legion of Honor or the National Order of Merit is a solemn moment. It follows a ritual that recipients need to know in order to best prepare for this event that is generally unique in a lifetime.
The highly symbolic induction ceremony is both:
- a ceremony that marks official entry into the Order and ongoing membership
- a private, festive gathering in the presence of the recipient’s friends and relatives.
There is no legal deadline to hold the induction ceremony, but it is recommended that this ceremony occur in the year following the date of nomination or promotion.
Military decorations are presented at parades under arms in accordance with specific procedures.
For foreigners, the induction ceremony is not mandatory.
The six steps to your induction
1. Choosing your delegate
- You designate a delegate, that is, the person who will present you with your insignia, i.e.:
- For the Legion of Honor: a member of the Legion of Honor, holding a rank at least equal to yours;
- for the National Order of Merit: a member of the National Order of Merit or the Legion of Honor holding a rank at least equal to yours;
- Or a member of the government or an ambassador of France if you live abroad.
- You contact the selected person.
- You inform the Grand Chancery of the name of the person, who will be granted the power to represent the Grand Chancellor at the ceremony:
- You download the application for authorization of induction into the Legion of Honor/National Order of Merit.
- You complete the application and return it par email or mail. See contact page.
2. Setting the date and location of your ceremony
Once you have received the requisite documents from the Grand Chancery, you can set the date for your induction ceremony.
The ceremony can be held at your convenience, in a public or private venue, and must take place in a solemn style in keeping with the prestige of the Order.
3. Buying your insignia
It is incumbent upon you to purchase your own insignia. You may wear it only after the official induction ceremony.
Only the Military Medal may be worn as soon as the notice of award is published in the Journal officiel (French government gazette).
You can purchase your insignia from the Monnaie de Paris shop or specialized merchants, such as the manufacturer Arthus Bertrand.
The decorations are available for sale commercially, but wearing an insignia without having the right to do so is punishable by law.
4. Preparing your speech
The ceremony takes place in three stages:
Praise of the inductee
The speech is delivered by the delegate. It is customary to pay tribute to the recipient, to recall his or her career path, values and commitments, and the outstanding merits for which he/she is being decorated.
Presentation of the insignia
The delegate pronounces the following formula established by the Code before embracing the honoree:
"On behalf of the President of the French Republic and by virtue of the powers conferred upon us, we hereby declare you Knight (Officer or Commander) of the Legion of Honor."
Or "On behalf of the President of the Republic and by virtue of the powers conferred upon us, we promote you to the title of Grand Officer (or Grand Cross) of the Legion of Honor."
Recipient’s response
It is then time for the recipient to express thanks for this prestigious mark of recognition and to all those who have played a role in his/her career.
5. Paying the Chancery fee
The following Chancery fee is due for issuing your certificate:
| Legion of Honor | National Order of Merit | |
| Rank of Knight | 50€ | 30€ |
| Rank of Officer | 75€ | 50€ |
| Rank of Commander | 100€ | 70€ |
| Title of Grand Officer | 150€ | 100€ |
| Title of Grand Cross | 200€ | 150€ |
6. Receiving your certificate
After the ceremony, you need to send the Grand Chancery the official report sent to the delegate. This document must be signed and dated by both of you so that your date of induction into the Order can be registered. In return, you will receive your certificate attesting your membership in the Order.
7. Contact
If you have questions about the induction process, please contact the Grand Chancery Awards Office.