Cannon Falls WWII Vet Receives French Honor

World War II veteran Arnold Hjermstad has received another honor, this time from France, for his service in the war.

On Saturday, June 6, the 71st anniversary of the D-Day invasion of France, Christina Selander Bouzoina, honorary consul of France, presented Hjermstad, of Cannon Falls, with the Legion of Honor, according to Bob and Roslyn Hjermstad, Arnold's son and daughter-in-law. The medal is the highest distinction France awards to non-citizens.

Boizoina paid tribute to all veterans, saying: "Seventy-one years ago today many young Americans put their ideals, their might, and their courage to the service of the liberation of my country, to the service of democracy and the dignity of humankind. From June 6, 1944, they fought bravely battles after battles across France and witnessed the worst of the war.

"Many did not return, but they are in our hearts; and fortunately, Mr. Hjermstad, you are among us to help us remember."

"Twice last century, in 1917 and 1944, American soldiers restored freedom to my country. France and the French people will never forget what we owe America, our steadfast friend, partner, and ally," Boizoina said. "D-Day changed the course of the history of humanity. Victory was still far off. There was much suffering to come, but hope was alive again, at last. Seventy-one years later, it is that same hope, that same ideal, that we owe to those men whom we shall never, can never, forget. To us, the French people, the American veterans are heroes.

Boizoina, on behalf of the French government, thanked all American veterans for their example they set and the sacrifices they have made for France and for liberty and freedom. "Your engagement is an example, an obligation for us and for future generations. ... Faced with the uncertainties of a changing world, let us remain loyal to the legacy, the sacrifice, and the values of the heroes who liberated France."

Hjermstad entered military service in May 1942 and served as mail clerk in the Quartermaster unit of the 36th Infantry Division, which was in charge of delivering supplies to the troops. From April 1943 to October 1945, Hjermstad fought in Italy and southern France.

Boizoina said: "Mr. Hjermstad, thanks to your courage, to France's American friends and allies, France has been living in peace for seven decades -- the longest period of continuous peace in modern French history. Seventy years ago, Mr. Hjermstad, you were ready to sacrifice your young life for our freedom. For a country that was not even yours. Now it is. The images of those days are part of our collective memory. Gratitude and remembrance are forever in our souls. Every French person has a special place in his heart for you."

French President Francois Hollande awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal to Hjermstad, Boizoina said. Napoleon Bonaparte created the medal in 1802, and "it is the highest honor that my country can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. Mr. Hjermstad, you wanted France to be free, and you fought to liberate France. What higher deeds than yours?"