It's not every day you get to witness an old war veteran recognized at the highest level, but that's exactly what Bonnyville residents got to see on Canada Day as longtime local William McGregor was honoured for the part he played in the D-Day landings during the Second World War.
Serving as a medic during the historic conflict, McGregor spent a little over three years in the military from late 1942 to early 1946. Serving with the 11th Field Ambulance, attached to the Essex Scottish Regiment, he crossed into France during the Normandy landings and was there when the Allies declared a decisive victory in late June, 1944.
Fast-forward 70 years and a large group of friends, family and dignitaries gathered at the Bonnyville Museum grounds as McGregor was presented with the French Legion of Honour – the highest, most prestigious decoration handed out by France.
“Today, I have the privilege to be here to offer the deepest gratitude from my country to the honourable Thomas, William McGregor,” said Major Benjamin Le Gall, an officer with the French military.
“As a French officer in Canada, my post brings me to a lot of places, none as humbling as the one here today. In addition to being a family man, William devoted his life to (the) service of others. Of the 45,000 Canadians that died during the Second World War, 5,500 lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.
This is a debt we can never fully repay. Honourable William McGregor, we gather here today to honour you. The Légion d'honneur is France's oldest and highest distinction. I am here, representing the country you helped defend, to promise that France will always remember,” Le Gall concluded.
As a way of commemorating all those that partook in the Normandy landings and as a nod to the recently marked 70th anniversary of the historic battle, the French government decided to award all the living Canadian veterans that participated in the D-Day operations.
Now a Knight of the French Legion of Honour, McGregor joins the likes of former Prime Minister William McKenzie King, former Premier of Quebec Jean Charest and dozens of his Canadian comrades that, just like him, were in France during the battle.
“This is a very, very special moment for me, receiving this medal,” McGregor told the Nouvelle shortly after the ceremony. “I was really surprised when I got the letter from France letting me know I was getting this award. It's not something I was expecting, but I'm very happy and proud to be honoured (by France).”
While McGregor says he doesn't remember much from his time in France, there are bits and pieces that stick with him – memories he says he will never forget.
“Sometimes it's hard to remember what it was all for. So many things happened over there, not just one thing. We were going out every day picking up casualties, bandaging wounds, moving people over to the different dressing stations,” McGregor said. “The one thing that sticks is seeing the many wounded civilians. The wounded children… It's hard (to look back on it).”
Catching up with the Nouvelle following the ceremony, Le Gall said he was “honoured” to be in Bonnyville to present this “celebration of service” to McGregor.
“D-Day and everything that happened during the war are things I have read about in books. It brings me great honour to be here today to recognize someone that put his own life at risk, left his own country and left his family to fight for and free Europe,” Le Gall said. “This is something that will stay in my memories forever now. I'm so appreciative to have the chance to meet somebody and see for real a person that fought to free my country.”
Although not here in person, the Consul General of France in Vancouver Jean-Christophe Fleury had a message for McGregor, thanking him for his service during “extremely testing times” in the Second World War.
“As a young man, Mr. McGregor, you left your family and home to cross the Atlantic and participate (in) some of the most furious battles in modern history, on foreign soil, far away from your country (in order) to help the people of Europe to free themselves from the terror and tyranny (of Nazi Germany),” Fleury said.
“Your accomplishments during the Second World War are a vibrant reminder of the profound and historic friendship that bound France and Canada. The French people will never forget the act of bravery Canadian soldiers accomplished during the Normandy Landing to restore our freedom,” Fleury added.
“Thank you so much Mr. McGregor for fighting at our side for freedom and democracy. Thank you for fighting against prejudice and ignorance. Thank you for making our families happy and thank you for making France a free country.”
The French Legion of Honour Medal will now join a healthy family of medals emblazoned across McGregor's uniform following previous presentations of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, the France Germany star, the Defense Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the 1939-45 Star and the War Medal 1939-1945.
After watching her dad receive this “absolute highest honour” on Canada Day, Vivian Bryant spoke of the pride she feels for her father and the happiness she has that he was able to see first hand the appreciation France has for all those willing to lay down their lives in the name of freedom.
“This is a very special treat. I'm so pleased my father has been awarded in this way… We all feel it as a family. He truly is an incredible man. It's nice to see him recognized.” Bryant told the Nouvelle. “We were all so excited when he received the letter and found out what was happening. To have this event in Bonnyville on Canada Day is just absolutely perfect. All of my dad's friends and family could be here today to witness this special, special moment.”
She added, “This is what Canada is all about.”
