Bien mérité de la Patrie

During the French Revolution, the phrase became a formula discerned as an award by the National Convention to deserving citizens.

During the Ancien Régime, the Monarchy bestowed awards to deserving subjects in the form of noble titles, precious swords personally awarded by the King, or membership in chivalric orders; in particular, the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis could be bestowed upon non-nobles.

Thus, for instance, when Captain Jean-Baptiste-François Bompart was awarded a gold medal by the population of New York to commemorate the action of 31 July 1793, he accepted on the condition that he would not have to wear it.

The marvelous heroism of her defenders, united to the firmness of the soul of her population, has forever made illustrious the name of this valliant city.

It is the duty of the Government of the Republic to proclaim that the city of Verdun has bien mérité de la patrie[note 1]The pediment of the Panthéon carries the closely related mention "Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante" ("To its great men, a grateful fatherland").

Law stating that the Army of Italy has bien mérité de la Patrie . Nivôse an IX.
Pediment of the Panthéon with the motto: Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante ("To its great men, a grateful fatherland").