WEDGEPORT -- The Wedgeport branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 155) played host to a Remembrance Day banquet Tuesday where a special ceremony was held honouring two of the branch’s members.
Alcide LeBlanc and Wesley Spinney – both veterans of the Second World War – were recognized for each having been made a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
The two had learned in September that they would receive the honour.
It was formally presented to them during Tuesday’s luncheon at the Wedgeport legion hall.
Argyle MLA Chris d’Entremont did the honours of presenting both men with their special medal from the French government in recognition of their efforts to help liberate France during the war.
D’Entremont cited a letter from Philippe Zeller, French ambassador to Canada, who spoke of France’s “profound gratitude.”
The honour, the ambassador wrote, “is awarded in recognition of your professional involvement in the liberation of our country. Through you, France remembers the sacrifice of all of your compatriots who came to liberate French soil, often losing their lives in the process.”
Alcide LeBlanc, a Wedgeport native, served in the army. Wesley Spinney, a native of Pubnico Head, served in the navy. Both joined in 1942.
After Tuesday’s ceremony, both said they were very honoured to have been recognized in this way.
Although this was the main focus of the Wedgeport banquet, presentations were made to other Branch 155 members for their service to the legion, including one for the branch’s legionnaire of the year, which went to Rita Doucette.
WEDGEPORT -- The Wedgeport branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 155) played host to a Remembrance Day banquet Tuesday where a special ceremony was held honouring two of the branch’s members.
Alcide LeBlanc and Wesley Spinney – both veterans of the Second World War – were recognized for each having been made a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
The two had learned in September that they would receive the honour.
It was formally presented to them during Tuesday’s luncheon at the Wedgeport legion hall.
Argyle MLA Chris d’Entremont did the honours of presenting both men with their special medal from the French government in recognition of their efforts to help liberate France during the war.
D’Entremont cited a letter from Philippe Zeller, French ambassador to Canada, who spoke of France’s “profound gratitude.”
The honour, the ambassador wrote, “is awarded in recognition of your professional involvement in the liberation of our country. Through you, France remembers the sacrifice of all of your compatriots who came to liberate French soil, often losing their lives in the process.”
Alcide LeBlanc, a Wedgeport native, served in the army. Wesley Spinney, a native of Pubnico Head, served in the navy. Both joined in 1942.
After Tuesday’s ceremony, both said they were very honoured to have been recognized in this way.
Although this was the main focus of the Wedgeport banquet, presentations were made to other Branch 155 members for their service to the legion, including one for the branch’s legionnaire of the year, which went to Rita Doucette.
