What do medals tell us about

There is a medal “In honour of 100th anniversary of the Patriotic war of 1812” in Polotsk Museum of Local Lore. The medal is made of light bronze. On the right side of it there is a picture of Alexander I, on the other side there is an inscription. Soldiers, generals, clergy, civil employees took part in the ceremony in honour of 100th anniversary of the Patriotic war of 1812. All participants were rewarded with the medal.