French Legion of Honor

September 29, 2007 - The Honorary Consul of France, Jean-Pierre Collet, knighted the Martin brothers, Robert and Wayne, at the Dunbar Veterans Memorial following the Dunbar Community Fest parade.

The parade meandered through the historic town of Dunbar as what appeared to be the entire population lined the streets. They waved to their newest local heroes - two gentlemen sharply dressed in their original World War II uniforms riding in a horse drawn carriage. Robert in the American Legion uniform he purchased in 1946 and Wayne in the US Army class-A uniform issued to him in 1943.

Jean-Pierre Collet informed that the French Legion of Honor was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and it is the highest honor bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of social status or nationality.

In summary, the Legion of Honor investiture unfolded as follows: Anthony Wayne Keefer, the master of ceremonies, opened with a warm bilingual welcome. Keefer is a retired French teacher from the Dunbar area. WWII Chairman and Uniontown American Legion Post 51 Representative Joe T. Joseph with the assistance of Troop 180 of the Boy Scouts and Pack 180 of the Cub Scouts of America led the pledge of alliance. Directly following, Pastor Clyde P. Bailey, Jr. (Dunbar Presbyterian) gave the invocation. Then the French National Anthem -- La Marseillaise, performed by saxophonist Dana Shultz filled the air before the Honorary Consul of France gave a moving speech. He then presented the honorees with the coveted Legion of Honor. When the applause finally died down, Fayette County Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink was able to make her remarks. She was followed by Pennsylvania State Representative Deborah Kula who presented the Martin brothers with a State proclamation. Then Author/WWII historian Joe Wilson, Jr. addressed the gathering and presented the honorees with several letters from their WWII comrades. Soon everyone was standing at attention and saluting the Martin brothers who were proudly wearing their Legion of Honor medals as Dana Shultz played the Star Spangled Banner. VFW Post 47 performed the color guard duties as the American Legion and their auxiliary performed the honor guard duties. Several World War II veterans were on hand along with a host of other veterans. The Dunbar Historical Society hosted this event.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Legion
• of
• Honor

[joew761]

God bless the French government for aknowledging our WWII Vets for liberating their country!

[joew761]

thank you! it was such a moving ceremony replete with loved ones, well wishers, dignitaries, veteran groups, boy scouts - it appeared that the entire town of dunbar and surrounding communities were there that special day.

[weldnspectre]

my dad is on that memorial

[csskid]

yes. i think it started in the 1700's when there were former soldiers from other countries that were basically causing trouble around france. so someone came up with the idea of putting their skills to use and so they would actually benefit the country.

[csskid]

as much as i believe that the legion is a bit stuck up, and is more known for their beautiful defeats then their accomplishments (i say that in respect not as an insult) they fight with honor and never back down

[sparky577]

"They gave their lives for a country which was not theirs, but for an idea that was theirs and ours, freedom." - The Honorary Consul of France, Jean-Pierre Collet.

[ThomasCorsica]

of course, 100 nationalities...

[Hastingsboy10892]

i dont know too much about the french legions, i just saw some discovery show about them. is it true that the legion is made up of men from all round the world?

[DejanDjukicPozega]

nice video