I just finished talking with the Consulate General of France's Office in downtown Boston and they asked me to please post this message.
Although the above instructions indicate a call should be made to the Defense Attache etc. in Washington DC, the call should instead be made to your LOCAL French Consulate Office in your own State. Otherwise the request will be delayed or even perhaps ignored.
They called to inform me that my request has been sent through channels for the approval because I have already received a Certificate of Thanks from the French Government. Each Consulate Office has an American Veteran assigned to help expedite the process.
You can find the Local Office addresses on the Net!!
Sgtleo
Great job John! He looks great!
There were nine veterans honored at the ceremony that took place aboard the U.S.S. Bataan in Port Everglades, Florida, last month and my Dad was one of them. It seemed to me that the veterans really appreciated the ceremony, being honored and thanked for their service. I got my start from Marion's website and was told to contact the French Consulate Office closest to the home of the veteran. Ours was Miami. I got on their website and downloaded a three page form, filled it out and mailed it to them. From what I can tell the only absolute requirement was that the veteran had to have served in the liberation of France in WW II. We sent that to them in January of this year. We got a phone call in early May and attended the ceremony on May 10th. The families were so friendly and pleased to have their veterans honored. I think it is worth the effort to fill out the form. They do ask a lot of questions about after war experiences. It is easy to get the form, take a look at it and decide. I recommend taking a look.
Glen Blasingim
Superb news. So glad we could make this happen, for a deserving soldier and eight other veterans. Warms the soul!
On May 10,2016, the French people honored 9 Veterans who served in the liberation of France in World War II. Here are a few pictures of the ceremony and the hospitality after it. The Veterans loved it and so did their families, there was a lot of clapping and cheering. It was a very upbeat ceremony that took place on board the U.S.S. Bataan, a U.S.Navy assault ship that is essentially a small aircraft carrier, about 60 feet shorter than the Titanic. ( The U.S.S. Bataan has a large fully equipped and staffed hospital on board that docked and provided medical care during the 9-11 crisis ). I was amazed at the crew of the ship. They were so professional, kind, helpful and respectful to every Veteran, they made them feel so proud. One man in particular that escorted us and tended Dad's wheel chair made a great and lasting impression on me. He vanished when the cameras came out but I did get him in one picture. He is the man in profile wearing a camo uniform beneath the tail of the helicopter.
Thanks Marion, for posting the information to give Veterans the opportunity to be honored like they deserve. I can't help but think of all the ones that have passed that didn't get this award but deserved it and more. Thanks to the French people for remembering and thanks to our U.S.Navy for their hospitality.
Glen Blasingim
Veterans being honored, from flags, right to left as in the list.
Veterans with dignitaries.
Cake cutting after awards were presented.
Young Marine that helped us on tour.
Pictures of U.S.S. Bataan.
You are quite welcome. Yes, I too wish that more men would have been aware of this while they were still with us. Glad to see that many though, had the opportunity to receive it. Wonderful photos!
