Carm Colvin, a 102-year-old veteran from Carman, Man. has received the highest honour the nation of France can bestow on civilians or military personnel. On Saturday, he was made a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Colvin, along with thousands of other Canadian troops, stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, a battle that ultimately led to the liberation of France during World War II.

Bruno Burnichon, Honorary Consul of France in Winnipeg, made the presentation at the Carman Legion.

“Through you, France remembers the sacrifice of all your compatriots who came to help liberate France after losing their lives during the fierce battles. If we are here gathered in this Legion of Carman today, it is because of this brave soldier and all of his comrades that freed my country, France, from terror and tyranny. I can only have one word to think of to say to you, Mr. Colvin, ‘Merci.’ You are to France, a true hero.”

Carm’s son, Fred, delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of his father.

“Even though it was over 75 years ago that I was in France, I remember it well and it is truly an honour to accept this distinction and medal from the Republic of France," said Fred as he read out his father's writing. "There were many veterans from the Carman area and all across the country that would have also qualified for this honour, but unfortunately are no longer with us. Many others in the service at that time gave their lives and are buried in France or other European countries. So, I'll graciously accept the medal and proudly wear it in memory of all my comrades. Thank you.”

“Dad normally would have wanted to be able to say that himself, but he's just not feeling one hundred per cent so it was special for me to be able to say it for him, certainly. We didn't have to tell him who to [or] what to say,” Fred added. “He thinks his memory is failing, but it’s not. He's sharp as can be, and he still tells us stories of those years in France in the war.”

Colvin has been a member of the Carman Legion for 75 years.

France has Knighted 1,600 Canadian soldiers for their bravery.