The flag of École Polytechnique

In 1804, Napoleon gave the École Polytechnique battalion its first standard, bearing the institution’s newly adopted motto, "For Nation, Science and Glory". Then in 1814, the students took part in the Battle of Paris with the French army against the coalition forces, and following Napoleon’s defeat and the Bourbon Restoration, they burned their flag in the courtyard of l’X. 87 years later in 1901, President of France, Émile Loubet, presented the second standard to then valedictorian, Mr. Japiot, embroidered with the motto of the institution and the inscription, "Defense of Paris, 1914". The l’X standard has featured the Cross of the Legion of Honor since 1914, the Cross of the First World War since 1922, and the Cross of the Second World War since 1949.