Langley veteran John Swityk was appointed a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour on Sunday, the highest honour France can bestow.
The award was presented to the 93-year-old Swityk by French consul-general Jean-Christophe Fleury at the Langley City Legion branch on Sunday afternoon before more than 60 people, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Thank you for making my country a free country,” Fleury said, praising Swityk for his “extraordinary bravery.”
About 600 Canadian veterans are being recognized for their participation in the D-Day invasion that led to the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Swityk was a member of the Regina Rifles, who landed on Juno Beach as part of the Canadian armed forces.
Juno Beach was one of five landing areas where Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944.