Ceremony honoring Mr. Charles E. Wilson recipient of the French Legion of Honor
Nicholasville, Kentucky — Aug. 10, 2017
On behalf of the French Consulate in Chicago, I would like to convey to the following sentiments from the Consul General of France in Chicago Mr. Vincent Floreani.
Dear Mr. Wilson, Dear Family and friends, honored veterans and everyone gathered here today,
Today, you are gathered to pay tribute to Charles Wilson, an exceptional man who was ready to sacrifice his life for France and Western Europe during the second World War.
Many years have passed since June 6, 1944 when thousands of young soldiers like Mr. Wilson, who was not quite 19 at the time, jumped into cold and heavy seas, heading towards the beaches of Normandy under a torrent of enemy gunfire.
On that day, Mr. Wilson and his comrades turned the tide of World War II.
Seventy-three years ago, these young men put their ideals, their might and their courage to the service of democracy and the dignity of humankind.
The journey was long and dangerous, but they fought tirelessly, battle after battle, across France and beyond.
They endured the harshest conditions and witnessed the horrors of war.
But thanks to their unfailing determination and exemplary bravery, they restored hope to millions of people who had been crushed by intolerance, violence and the tyranny of fascism.
Too many of them did not return home, but they are in our hearts and fortunately, Mr. Wilson is here to help us remember.
France has not forgotten, France will never forget.
In recognition of Mr. Wilsons heroic actions, and to show his gratitude, the President of the French Republic nominated him to the Legion of Honor.
Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, it is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France.
Mr. Wilson who recently returned to France was officially presented the Legion of Honor medal during a moving ceremony in Normandy.
Mr. Wilson, please accept my heartfelt congratulations.
Twice last century, in 1917 and 1944, American soldiers restored freedom to my country, France. And as we are commemorating this year the Centenary of the entry of the U.S. into WWI, we also have to remember all those who, a generation earlier, came to save Europe.
The French people will never forget what they owe America, our steadfast friend, partner and ally. From Lafayette and the Yorktown during the American Revolution to the battlefields of World War I and the shores of Normandy, our two countries have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder to defend and promote the values of freedom and democracy that are the core of who we are.
Faced with the uncertainties and challenges of a changing world, let us strive to remain loyal to the legacy, the sacrifice and the values of the heroes who liberated western Europe.
Thanks to Mr. Wilsons courage, to France’s American friends and allies, France has been living in peace for seven decades, the longest period of continuous peace in modern French history.
To the French people, all veterans are heroes. Their engagement is an example, an obligation for us and for future generations. There can be no future without memory.
The torch they carried so high and so far, the torch of freedom of dignity, of justice and democracy, still lights our way.
France will never forget.
