From 1674 onwards, the Hôtel des Invalides was used to house wounded, invalid, or dying soldiers. Its construction was decided by Louis XIV, following the Thirty Years’ War against Holland, as a way of strengthening his ties with his armies by showing his concern for them. Later, the First Consul Bonaparte created the national order of the Legion of Honour and instituted the presentation of decorations in the Saint-Louis des Invalides church. Napoleon I set up the veterans’ administration at the Invalides. It was only natural that after his repatriation from St Helena, the Emperor’s tomb should be installed in the Dôme des Invalides, so that everyone could pay tribute to him.