Tribute and Remembrance: U.S. World War II Combat Veterans Honored by France

It took 69 years. Add that to the age of twenty year olds that were among the 160,000 troops that fought their way ashore on June 6, 1944, on Normandy beaches to gain a foothold against Nazi tyranny and the legion of aged finally honored by France can be understood.

U.S. combat veteran Frank Alessi proudly wearing his Legion of Honor medal, holding a bottle of French Champagne to celebrate the event with his daughter (in red) Marlene Shitts, next to Alessi in flower shirt and hat is his French friend from Prades, himself a veteran of the Algerian War, Claude Rivoire. The woman in black is their friend Jeanne Marie Mangino and next to her in white is their friend Suzie Vitart, formerly of Paris now living in Lesureville in Boynton Beach. French people paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of U.S. servicemen that landed in Normandy on D Day and fought to liberate France and Europe . John Christopher Fine copyright 2013

It took 69 years. Add that to the age of twenty year olds that were among the 160,000 troops that fought their way ashore on June 6, 1944, on Normandy beaches to gain a foothold against Nazi tyranny and the legion of aged finally honored by France can be understood.

Boynton Beach is only a small city on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Its thriving retirement community basks in winter sunshine where seniors enjoy fair weather year around. The large population of older Americans can participate in active veterans groups of American Legion posts, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other community organizations dedicated to respecting Constitutional guarantees of freedom and those that serve to protect it during peace and war.

The city’s Civic Center, an older building in a quiet, tree lined downtown area near City Hall was chosen for a solemn ceremony. On a Thursday at the end of February 2013, the President and people of France honored U.S. combat veterans that saved them from Nazi occupation and redeemed the world from the horrors of an evil regime of terror.

The French Legion of Honor, or correctly the Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur, was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Revolution abolished royalty and rank, however, as First Consul, Napoleon wanted an order of commendation for members of the military and civilians. Foreigners can be awarded the decoration for distinguished service to France.