25 WWII South Florida Veterans Honored

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The French Consulate in Miami is honoring 25 U.S. veterans who fought alongside France during World War II.

The veterans will receive on Thursday the insignia of “Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor.” The ceremony will take place at the Civic Center in Boynton Beach.

The Legion of Honor was founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Consulate says the honor rewards eminent military and civil merits in the service of France and is the highest distinction that can be granted in France on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner.

Some notable Americans who have received the award include Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, astronomer Simon Newcomb, sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens and painter John Singer Sargent.

Source: Associated Press