The Cross of the Legion of Honor is a decoration composed of a star of five double rays, with a wreath of oak and laurel. On the obverse appears the female head personifying France, and the words, 'République Française'; on the reverse, two tricolors, and the motto, 'Honneur et Patrie'. The Legion of Honor is a French order of merit, created in 1802 by Napoleon, when first consul, with the view of specially marking exploits and services in the military and civil departments. Napoleon himself was first grandmaster.

Cross of the Legion of Honor

The Cross of the Legion of Honor is a decoration composed of a star of five double rays, with a wreath…

At Fraunces Tavern on December 4, Washington formally bade his officers farewell and on December 23, 1783, he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief, emulating the Roman general Cincinnatus, an exemplar of the republican ideal of citizen leadership who rejected power. During this period, the United States was governed under the Articles of Confederation without a President, the forerunner to the Constitution.

Washington Resigning His Commission

At Fraunces Tavern on December 4, Washington formally bade his officers farewell and on December 23,…