WWII veteran Allan White named Knight of the Legion of Honour [fr]
WWII veteran Allan White received the insignia of “Knight of the Legion of Honour”, France’s highest National Order, for his contribution in the liberation of France.
A ceremony was arranged by the Royal Canadian Legion in Prince Albert, SK, where he lives.
Through Mister White, France also wishes to pay homage to his fallen comrads. WWII touched almost every Canadian family and this reality is not lost on the French people. 47 0000 Canadians died during WWII. The Legion of Honour aknowledges all Canadians who fought for us to defend France as well as their families who experienced the conflict in their own way too. France is grateful for Canada’s involvement during WWII.
Craig Bird
Archives Canada
About France’s Legion of Honour
France’s Legion of Honour was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It rewards citizens for their merits, irrespective of social or hereditary considerations. It is France’s highest order. The Knight 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.
About France’s Veterans decoration campaign
In 2014, on the occasion of the Normandy and Provence landings’ 70th anniversary commemorations, the then-President of the French Republic, François Hollande, undertook to honour the Canadian Veterans who participated in the operations to liberate France during the Second World War.
Since 2014, nearly 1300 veterans were identified and decorated during ceremonies held from coast to coast in Canada, including 241 in BC.
Nominating a Canadian Veteran
Anyone who knows a living Canadian Veteran who took part in operations on French soil during WWII, is invited to contact us, these Veterans could be eligible for the Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour). In accordance with France’s Code of the Legion of Honour, this distinction can only be bestowed upon recipients who are still living when the nominating decree is issued. Veterans cannot receive the medal posthumously.
Media coverage
Article in the Prince Albert Daily Herald.