Mr Nick Kazuska, WWII Veteran, receives the Legion of Honor in Regina, SK [fr]
Mr Nick Kazuska presented with the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honor
The Ambassador of France to Canada, Mr. Michel Miraillet, presented Mr. Nick Kazuska, Canadian veteran of the Second World War, with the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honor, the highest French distinction, on Saturday April 6, 2024. The ceremony was held in Regina, SK, in the presence of local authorities including His Honour, Lieutenant Governor Rissy Mirasty, the city’s mayor Ms Sandra Masters and Mr. Kazuska’s family. Colonel Bruno Héluin also made the trip from Ottawa.
This medal symbolizes the recognition by the French Republic of Mr. Kazuska’s contribution to the liberation of France during the Second World War. He landed on France’s beaches on July 27, 1944 with the Royal Regina Riffles Regiment in Juno Beach, which had a significant role in the battle’s victory. The regiment was the first to secure its beachhead against the 12th SS armored division, Hitlerjugend. Far from stopping on the beach, far from considering their mission accomplished, these men continued the fight until the Germans surrendered, at a cost of 458 killed. 42,000 Canadians gave their lives, 5,000 of them during the Normandy campaign.
Quote from Mr. Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of France to Canada : « Dear Nick, You are also exceptional for what you are, or more precisely, for what you represent today. You carry on your shoulders the memory of your fallen regimental comrades, the memory of the 1.1 million Canadians who chose to help France regain its freedom - ten percent of the population at the time - the memory of those Canadians who gave their lives to crush the Nazi hydra ».
Unveiling of a commemmoration statue to be hosted in France
Mr Kazuska’s decoration was part of an event on the unveiling of a souvenir statue commissionned by the regiment, by Canadian artist Don Begg, to be given to the city of Bretteville l’Orgueilleuse. France will have the honor of hosting the statue to be unveiled on its soil on June 5, 2024, as part of DDay’s 80th commemorations. It will serve as a reminder to younger generations of what France owes to Canada. France does not forget.
Speech given by His Honour, Lieutenant Governor Rissy Mirasty
From left to righ : Colonel Bruno Héluin, Ambassador Mr Michel Miraillet et le Lieutenant-Colonel Ed Staniowski, who initiated the project.
Canadian Veterans decoration campaign
As a reminder, in 2014, on the occasion of the commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy and Provence landings, the then President of the French Republic François Hollande undertook to honor the Canadian veterans who participated in the operations to liberate France during the Second World War. Nearly 1300 veterans were identified and decorated during ceremonies held from coast to coast.
Media coverage
Interview in French on Radio-Canada Saskatchewan of Ambassador Michel Miraillet.
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Interview in English on the Evan Bray show with Mr Kazuska.
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Article in English on CBC News.
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Article in French on Radio-Canada.
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Article in English on CTV News.
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Article in English on Global News.
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Article in English on ATP News.
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Article in English on Moose Jaw Today.
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Article in English on Sask Today.
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Photo credits : Gareth Dilliston, CTV News.