This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Seventy years may seem like a long time ago, but to those who were there and to those who live free from tyranny because of it, June 6, 1944 was not so long ago.
Friday, the whole of France will pause and remember the 154,000 soldiers who embarked upon one of the greatest military undertakings ever planned. Many official ceremonies will take place in France and the United States to commemorate the historic date.
In France, there will be seven bi-national commemorations held, including a French-American ceremony at the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer in the presence of the president of the French Republic and President Barack Obama. This will be one of the highlights of this historic summer and a unique opportunity to highlight the close ties between our countries.
Several hundred American veterans of World War II will attend, including Richard S. Bailey of Kennesaw, who I had the immense privilege of meeting in 2013. Then, later that day, an international ceremony will unite 17 heads of state and governments in the city of Ouistreham. These official commemorations promise to be a special moment to render homage to all of the brave allied soldiers who fought, side by side, in very difficult situations.
Here at the Consulate General of France in Atlanta, we will continue to do our part to honor those who fought to restore freedom to the French people. One of the most gratifying responsibilities I have in my job as consul general is to preside over the Legion of Honor ceremonies, honoring American veterans of World War II who fought to help liberate France from Nazi occupation during 1944-1945 with France’s highest distinction.
Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. Recipients of this honor are designated by the president of the Republic of France. About 10 years ago, President Jacques Chirac instituted the policy of bestowing the Legion of Honor upon all veterans of World War II who fought on French soil in 1944 and 1945.
The decision was made because of the desire to express the solemn gratitude of France to all American soldiers who, at one time or another, fought on French soil during the Second World War. Since then, several hundred have been decorated across America. Whether it was 10 years ago or today, it is never too late to express to these American veterans the eternal gratitude of France and the French people.
Since taking over my functions almost two years ago, I was quite surprised to discover how many veterans were settled in the U.S. Southeast. So far, I have had the honor of participating in 12 Legion of Honor ceremonies in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. It is such a privilege for me to honor these American veterans of World War II and thank them for their service. On April 3, one such ceremony was held at the state Capitol in Atlanta, honoring eight veterans from Georgia in the presence of Gov. Nathan Deal, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and, of course, families and friends.
Beyond the formalities of the Legion of Honor ceremonies, these solemn yet boisterous events provide an opportunity for a sort of transmission of memory and history when veterans are honored. Indeed, many veterans have memories of all that they lived through and saw which, for reasons of discretion, they have not always shared with their families. As I read each man’s heroic actions before decorating him with the insignia of knight in the Legion of Honor, a bridge is built between the past, the present and — for those who will carry that memory — the future.
Amidst the commemorations of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, a Legion of Honor ceremony is being organized in South Carolina, and our veteran’s affairs office is processing applications as quickly as possible to ensure each eligible veteran receives France’s highest honor. After all, these men are our heroes, and we the French, we will never forget them.
To find out more about Legion of Honor eligibility or to request an application, please email: info.atlanta-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr or call 404-495-1660.
