Once he lost power, he was never forgotten, especially not by the surviving veterans of his Grande Armée, who continued honoring his name and historic leadership over the years. On the day that Napolean died, while it continued to be nothing more than an ordinary day for most people throughout Europe, this was a special day for the surviving French veterans who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. In fact, they perceived it to be a day of great significance which couldn't go unnoticed. Every year, marking his anniversary, veterans would dress in their military uniforms and march to Place Vendôme in Paris to pay respect to the fallen emperor.
Below you will see a collection of captivating portraits that were most likely taken on any one of those occasions during the 1850s. They are most probably the only surviving images of veterans of Napoleon's Grande Armée dressed in their original uniforms. You will notice that the veterans are almost all in their late 70s and 80s and they are all wearing the Saint Helena medals that were issued on August 12,1857. This medal was granted to the soldiers about 42 years after the devastating battle of Waterloo, in which, Napoleon I's nephew, Napoleon III decided to honor all the soldiers who had served in the Grand Armée during the Napoleonic Wars.
According to most accounts, over 400,000 soldiers proved that they served in the Grande Armée, thus receiving the Saint Helena medal for their service. The portraits of the veterans below are among thousands of soldiers who received this medal. The photos are part of the Anne S.K. Brown military collection, though no one can claim how Mrs. Brown managed to acquire them. See these incredible photos below:
Photographed Hell: The Wars We've Been Through!
Here are some photos to remind you that war should be avoided.
The Things That Happened Shortly After Hitler's Demise
What they never bothered to tell you in history lessons at school.
The Faces of War and Peace - Fascinating!
War is hell, no matter what side you are on. Photographer Lalage Snow investigated this by photographing and interviewing members of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland before they were sent to Afghanistan, during their service, and after. S
Quiz: Can You Answer These Trivia Questions about France?
A quiz about French history and culture
A Slice of History – 20 Powerful Images of Yesteryear
This collection of rare historical photos will give you a fascinating glimpse of our past.
The Reason Why No One Ever Smiles In Old Photographs
Discover the real cultural and technological reasons behind the serious faces in old portrait photographs.
A Look into Ancient Greece Like You've Never Seen Before
What can interior design and fashion trends tell us about a culture? A lot more than you think.
Look Back at These Iconic Royal Wedding Photos
Royal Weddings were always a cause for public celebration and fascination. Here are some of the most iconic royal wedding photos in history.
You’ll Love Learning New Things With These Awesome Charts
It's time for a brand new collection of fascinating charts and guides.
Travel History With These Amazing Photos of Yesteryear
Amazing photos reveal 150 years of history.
Meet the 10 Most Influential Figures of the Renaissance
Learn about the 10 most influential characters from the rebirth of Western civilization, including sculptors, painters, architects, writers, humanists, scientists, and philosophers.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
Meet the Sweet Girl With a ‘Benjamin Button’ Condition
Meet Isla Kilpatrick-Screaton, the only girl in the world with 'Benjamin Button' disease.
15 Amazing Facts That Knocked Me Over with a Feather
The world always fascinates me and everyday I learn something new. Here are 15 facts and stories to give your brain a real workout. Which of these tidbits blows your mind most?
Your Mind Does Play Tricks On You, Say Neuroscientists
There are many sensory tricks that your mind plays on you. Find out about the different phenomena that neuroscientists have discovered over the decades.
History: When Napoleon Was Defeated By an Army of Bunnies
The greatest defeat of Napoleon wasn't Waterloo... It was against a bunch of bunnies.
10 Emmy-Winning Netflix Shows You Don't Wanna Miss...
if you're in need of a binge-worthy series and haven't explored these recommendations yet, prepare to be captivated.
The Dark and Fascinating History of the Romanov Family
For more than three hundred years, the Romanov family had absolute power over Russia, this is their fascinating story.
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
20th Century: The MOST Popular Breakfast of Every Decade
Breakfast shape-shifted quite a bit during the 20th century. Discover the most popular breakfast delicacy of every decade in this article
Things You Don’t Know About History’s Famous Artifacts
Wow, history really is an endless treasure trove of knowledge!
Let's Remember Matthew Perry by His Lovely Quotes
"Friends” star Matthew Perry has passed away. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable quotes.
History: The Full Story of Napoleon's Epic Defeat
The full story of the battles Napoleon fought that eventually lead to his ultimate defeat.
Emperor Augustus: How Does History Judge Him?
When speaking of great Roman emperors, perhaps the first that comes to mind is Augustus, who reigned for 41 years and is thought of as the founder of the Roman principle.
20 Things Most People Think Are the Same, But Aren't!
These words are often mistaken for synonyms, but in reality they are nothing of the sort, because they refer to different things. Learn about 20 of them.,
Baby Boomers, Do You Remember These Vintage Products?
If you are member of the baby boomer generation, you may just remember these nostalgic products from your childhood.
Romeo & Juliet Ballet: A Timeless Tale of Love and Tragedy
Watch the famous balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in a captivating ballet duet.
Beautiful! All Dog Lovers Can Relate to This Touching Poem
Any dog lover can relate to this touching poem by Jimmy Stewart about his beloved dog Beau. Send this poem to those you know who love dogs too.
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
The Truth Behind These Animal Myths Will Shock You
Here are a list of facts about animals we thought to be true.
These Borders Exist Longer Than the Countries They Divide
International borders are among the most rapidly changing geographical phenomena, but these borders 5 proved to be exceptionally persistent
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
15 Surprising Facts that Are Super Interesting
These surprising historical facts will supply a meaty meal for anecdote and history lovers alike. It's so much fun to learn those small details about days gone by.
Full Documentary: The Fascinating History of the Dark Ages
Watch this fascinating documentary that sheds some great insight into how Rome fell, and what the Dark Ages actually consisted of.
Fact or Fiction? Debunking History's Most Common Myths
Update your knowledge of the Middle Ages by learning the truth behind these 12 common myths.
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
You Won’t Find Maps Like These in Geography Textbooks!
Explore this collection of 20 new and updated maps on a variety of fascinating subjects!
Millennials Are Killing These 12 Industries...
The preferences of millennials are destroying dozens of industries. Here are 12 industries that they're killing.
Who Said You Can't Train Cats?
Suki the cat is getting some agility training. If you thought cats cannot be trained, this is documented proof that notion is false. You just need to give them the right motivation, or in other words - use food...
These Theories On Reality Will Blow Your Mind
There are many crazy theories about the nature of reality, but some of them definitely outdo the others. Here are 10 mind-blowing theories about reality.
11 of the Most Insanely Useful Websites on the Web
Believe it or not, there are tons of sites that offer useful free stuff. Here’s a look at a few of them.
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
The Retirement Home Where Young & Old Live Together
This is a great idea! Young musicians are given free board at a retirement home in exchange for recitals. And this makes for great friendships too!
This Is One of The Most Beautiful Duets I've Ever Seen
Watch this mesmerizing duet from 1981 featuring Donovan and Crystal Gayle. This live performance is their rendition of the classic 60s song ‘Catch the Wind’
8 Essential Greek Philosophy Books You Shouldn't Miss
Here is your best chance for understanding Greek philosophy and its history.
How Clean Are Hotel Rooms, Really? Find Out the Answer!
Hotel rooms always look clean and fresh, but are they?