On December 5, 1804, at the Champ de Mars, Napoleon distributed colors to each of the regiments in the French army. This was a very solemn occasion attended by grand dignitaries, ministers, marshals of the empire, the ladies of court, and the counsel of state. As all the regimental colonels stepped forward, the Emperor rose and in a loud voice pronounced these words, "Soldiers, behold your standards! These eagles will serve you always as a rallying-point. They will go wherever your Emperor may judge their presence necessary for the defense of his throne and of his people. Will you swear to sacrifice even your lives in their defense, and to keep them always by your valor in the path of victory? Do you swear it?" "We swear it," repeated all the colonels in chorus.

The importance of the eagle as a seal of the empire had its origins from Roman times. The flag was of secondary importance. Each eagle was inscribed with a regimental number and with the Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, the number "1" was embossed on the eagle pedestal. This was mounted on a staff and adorned with the richly embroidered descriptions, "The Imperial Guard from Emperor Napoleon, the First of Foot Grenadiers". The reverse of the color was inscribed with battle honors awarded for French victories. All of this was contained within a border of imperial bees and eagles. To be an eagle bearer was considered the greatest honor in the regiment.

True to their oath, the Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, defended their eagle at Waterloo. When faced with surrender, they answered "The Old Guard dies, it never surrenders".

(Click here to go back)