Canadian Second World War Veterans awarded with French Legion of Honour

News Release

Minister of Veterans Affairs attends Légion d’Honneur presentation ceremony

December 18, 2014 – Toronto – Veterans Affairs Canada

The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today joined Jean-François Casabonne Masonnave, Consul Général of France, for a Légion d’Honneur presentation ceremony at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

During the ceremony, the Consul Général presented Veterans Norman Corke, Sheldon Lawr, Jack Martin and Bill Tindall, with France’s highest decoration, the Légion d’Honneur, for their role in liberating France during the Second World War.

Earlier today Minister Fantino also joined John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, for a meeting with Veterans to gain their perspectives on key issues facing those who have served our country in uniform.

Quick Facts

The Legion of Honour, France’s highest decoration, is awarded by the Republic of France to those who helped to liberate the country during the Second World War.
The Knight of the Legion of Honour medal is a five-armed cross with a V-shaped cut-out at the end of each arm, generally surmounted by a wreath of laurel leaves.
Over 600 Canadian Veterans have received France’s Legion of Honour.

Quotes

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these Second World War Veterans for being bestowed with France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honour. They are most deserving of this recognition and I commend them for the courage and bravery they demonstrated during the Normandy landings and the liberation of France.”
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

“I am pleased Minister Fantino is meeting with Veterans in Don Valley West to better understand the issues facing our brave men and women. Hearing firsthand from Veterans will ensure our Government continues to provide those who have served our country with the support they need.”
John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West

“The whole of France is grateful toward these brave Veterans who, 70 years ago, fought on the beaches of Normandy, in Provence or in the skies of France. These men are the last of the young heroes who put their lives on hold to fight a ruthless War against barbarity and Nazism.”
His Excellency Philippe Zeller, Ambassador of France to Canada

Associated Links

– 30 –

Contacts

Ashlee Smith
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Stéphane Schorderet
Press and Communications Advisor
Embassy of France in Canada
613-562-3740

Search for related information by keyword

Veterans Affairs Canada Military Information and Communications History and Archaeology

Page details

Date modified:: 2014-12-18

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

Canadian Second World War Veterans awarded with French Legion of Honour

News Release

Page details