On Thursday 29 September, in presence of The Honourable Robin Scott, Minister for Multiculturalism and Finance representing the Premier, The Honourable Daniel Andrews, the French Ambassador in Australia, His Excellency Mr Christophe Lecourtier, presented five World War II veterans with Legion of Honour medals in a moving ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance of Melbourne. The Order of the Legion of Honour, created by Napoleon more than 200 years ago, is the highest distinction in the French Orders.

The five Australian veterans were; Mr Herbert BIGGS, Mr Ronald FITCH, Mr Alfred GREEN, Mr John IRELAND and Mr Charles JENKINSON. 

His Excellency Mr Christophe Lecourtier addressed each veteran, recounted their individual stories, and thanked them for their courage on D-Day. In His words, these Veterans are “ living symbols of our common value: the spirit of resistance, the spirit of Liberty and the spirit of mateship.”