On July 6th, 1919, the President of the French Republic conferred the Croix de la Légion d'Honneur on Rheims (fastening it personally on the City Arms), with the following "citation":—
"Martyred city, destroyed by an infuriated enemy, powerless to hold it.
"Sublime population who, like the Municipal Authorities—models of devotion to duty and despising all danger—gave proof of magnificent courage, by remaining more than three years under the constant menace of the enemy's attacks, and by leaving their homes only when ordered to do so.
"Inspired by the example of the heroic French maid of venerated memory, whose statue stands in the heart of the city, showed unshakeable faith in the future of France (Croix de Guerre).
RHEIMS, AS SEEN FROM THE GERMAN LINES
(Photograph found on a German prisoner)