ESTEVAN — French Ambassador to Canada Michel Miraillet travelled from Ottawa to Estevan to personally thank, recognize and honour local Second World War veteran Jim Spenst.
The French delegation arrived at the Royal Canadian Legion's Estevan branch on Dec. 5. Participating in a meet and greet were Spenst's family and friends, legion members, the Estevan Police Service, local RCMP and Canada Border Service Agency members, as well as Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen, Mayor Roy Ludwig and authorities.
The ambassador came to Estevan to officially present a Rank of Knight with the National Order of the Legion of Honour in France – the highest French order of merit, both military and civil – to Spenst for his efforts to help liberate France from German forces nearly 80 years ago.
The recognition was announced and presented to the veteran on Remembrance Day in 2022, but the French representatives couldn't be there at the time. Nevertheless, once an opportunity arrived, the French side wanted to ensure Spenst knew how grateful the country was for his service.
"Dear James Spenst, today, as ambassador of France to Canada, I am proud to proceed with this decoration ceremony as part of this exceptional campaign. Through you, on behalf of my compatriots, I would like to honour all of the Canadian heroes who have served my country."
The medal symbolizes the recognition by the French Republic of Spenst's contribution to the liberation of France during the Second World War. Being only 17 years old when he decided to join the Royal Canadian Service in November 1943, Spenst was sent to France in July 1944, a few weeks after the Normandy invasion off the French coast to support the advance of the Canadian army.
"France remembers the sacrifices made by all Canadians helping to liberate French soil. And France will always remember the personal involvement of your fellow Canadian soldiers in the liberation of our country," Miraillet said in his speech.
He also touched on the history of the medal, which was started in 2014 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Débarquement de Normandie – D-Day – to recognize 300 Canadian veterans who took part in the liberation of France. After the honour was announced, more and more veterans who played their role in the liberation of France were found and recognized.
"Ten years later, more than 1,200 Canadian veterans were identified, notably with the support of Canadian authorities and remarkable personalities, such as Mr. Kenneth Turner [of Midale] and Craig Bird [of Estevan] ... Thank you … for the exceptional work that you have carried out here in Estevan, particularly to the museum inaugurated here a few years ago, which contributes to bringing to life and perpetuating the memory of the exceptional commitment of Saskatchewan people," Miraillet said.
In his speech, Miraillet also recalled the service of Spenst's brother, who enlisted with the Royal Regina Riffles and lost both of his legs in France, and who would also be honoured with a similar medal if he was still alive.
Miraillet also noted that next June, French and Canadian authorities, as well as Second W
