The Legion of Honor Medal to American WWII Veterans in St

About the Legion of Honor
Created two centuries ago in 1802 by Emperor Napoleon, the Legion of Honor is
France’s highest distinction and recognizes exceptional service to France in various
fields. It rewards distinguished military and civil merits, and today rewards the
courageous American soldiers, our friends and allies, who helped France fight
against the Nazi barbarity and restore its freedom.
On the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, France decided to grant the
Legion of Honor to all the U.S veterans who fought on French soil, many of which
gave their lives in the name of freedom and were therefore unable to receive this
award. The Legion of Honor is not only a way to thank those who are still among us
for their dedication and sacrifice but also as a symbol of the French-American
cooperation that has characterized our countries’ relationship during WWII and
throughout history.
Grades and Ranks
This distinction is divided into five degrees: three ranks (Knight, Officer, and
Commander) and two dignities (Grand Officer, and Grand Cross).
Famous historical personalities awarded (French)
Balzac, Stendhal, Victor Hugo, Chateaubriand, Theophile Gautier, Alfred De
Musset, Alexandre Dumas (novelists and poets), Laplace (mathematician),
Montgolfier (physician), Berlioz (musician), Cuvier, Lamarck (naturalists), David,
Ingres, Delacroix (painters).
American Personalities Awarded
Thomas A. Edison (Inventor and Engineer, commander in 1889), Alexander
Graham Bell, General Douglas MacArthur, the astronomer Simon Newcomb,
Dwight D. Eisenhower (34th President of the United States).
If you know of any Veteran that would be interested in applying to receive the
Legion of Honor, please contact us at:
1395 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1050, Miami, Florida 33131
Tel.: (305) 403.4157 • Fax: (305) 403.4151
www.consulfrance-miami.org
@FranceinMiami
The Consul General of France in Miami
Clément Leclerc
Presents
The Legion of Honor Medal
to American WWII Veterans
in St Augustine Beach
Venue:
City Hall of St Augustine Beach
2200 AIA South,
St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
Date:
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 10:30 AM
From the Consulate General in Miami
PROGRAM
Clément LECLERC, Consul General of France
Nathalie CLUZET-BERTOT, Press Attaché
François KLOC, French Honorary Consul in Jacksonville
François Kloc
Introduction
Honorary Consul in Jacksonville
Knights of the Legion of Honor
French National Anthem
Frederick DAFT
& U.S National Anthem
Homer HARRIS
John Jr. MATTSON
Undine George
Address
Vice-Mayor of St Augustine Beach
Atma PHILLIPS
Robert SCHIMDT
Award Introduction
Clément Leclerc
Consul General of France
La Marseillaise
Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie,
L'étendard sanglant est levé,
Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras
Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes !
Aux armes citoyens
Formez vos bataillons
Marchons, marchons
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons
Presentation of Legion of Honor Medals
Consul general, Clément Leclerc
Closing Remarks
François Kloc
Honorary Consul in Jacksonville