To reward members of the military for their dedication and service Louis XIV, in 1693, instituted the Military Order of St. Louis. Membership was restricted to officers, who sought admission not only for the honour associated with the order, but also for the pension which was awarded to recipients. During the eighteenth century, heroism or outstanding leadership came to mean less in the selection of members than longevity of service.
Each member of the order received a Cross of St. Louis (Croix de St. Louis) such as the one seen here, which was worn at the waist and attached by a flame-coloured ribbon. On the twenty- fifth of August, the feast of St. Louis, all members of the order who were in France joined the king in special ceremonies. Elaborate celebrations also marked this special day at Louisbourg, and members of the officer corps who had been received into the order enjoyed a prominent place at the festivities.
Courtesy: Parks Canada, National Film Board of Canada
