{"id":"3114","t":"Grenadier of the First French Empire","t_s":-1,"tags":["3300","3312"],"thumb":{"fid":"4644","styles":{"circle_medium":"circle_medium_4644","circle_mini":"circle_mini_4644"},"ext":"png"},"pics":["4316"],"loc":"3584","loc_map":-1,"body":"<p>Grenadiers were soldiers who specialized in the use of grenades during sieges, a practice that began in the 17th century. They subsequently formed elite units that retained the term grenadier, even though grenades were only used as secondary weapons or not used at all, as was the case with the wars of the French Revolution. The First French Empire was the political regime that ruled France from1804 to 1815. Annexed in 1795, the regions that were to become Belgium were part of the Empire until the abdication of Napoleon I. Every year the Association participates in the Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse in the Walloon Region. These are a series of traditional walks that take place from May to October.They take the form of processions dedicated to particular saints, and are accompanied by an armed escort.<\/p>\r\n","fav":"0","fav_l":"0","don":"The Grenadier Company of Forchie-la-Marche","d_y":1998,"d_m":6,"d_d":13,"d_s":-1}