Alberta veterans honoured with France's highest award

Several Alberta veterans ofthe Second World War were given France's highest honourata ceremony in Calgary on Thursday.

Theveterans were part of the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day in 1944.They were awardedthe Legiond'Honneurby the French consul general,Jean-ChristopheFleury, in a ceremony held at the Military Museums.

Fleury said Canadians made an important contribution to the Allied landing and his country remains grateful.

"Canada and France have a very special relationship and I think this wouldn't have been possible without the sacrifice of Canadians," he said.

Veteran Gordon Rowan from Calgary was present to receive his award at the Military Museums onThursday night.

On D-Day, he wasan 18-year-old seamenferrying troops to the shores of Normandy.

"It didn't really affect me that much mentally," he said, "but I saw a lot of people in the water and things like that."

Ken Lettof Edmonton was also present to receive his medal. On D-Day, he wasa 19-year-old Spitfire pilot flying patrol over the beaches.

"Not really much I can say except how humble I feel to get this honour," he said, "particularly at my age, I'm 91 on Sunday."

There are approximately 600 surviving veterans in Canada who participated in D-Day.

Fleury said all of the survivorswill be presented with the French medal over the next two years.