Ambassador Andrew Young awarded the French Legion of Honor
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The French Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, was awarded to former Ambassador Andrew Young during a ceremony held at the residence of the consul general of France in Atlanta, Anne-Laure Desjonquers. This prestigious event marked an important recognition of Young’s remarkable contributions to humanity.
Laurent Bili, the French Ambassador to the United States, pinned the red decoration on Young’s lapel, designating him as Officier Young. Bili emphasized the significance of this honor, stating, “For the French, this is very important. It is about human values and what you contributed to make the world better.” Bili said Young fits all of that and credited him for his work in ending racial segregation in America and “paving the way for a fairer America.” Bili also noted Young’s advocacy for human rights and efforts to settle a war in what is now Zimbabwe, ending white minority rule there.
The French Legion of Honor, created by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1804 and named “Légion d’Honneur,” has been awarded to French citizens and foreign nationals who have served France or upheld its ideals. Young, at the age of 92, has held various roles throughout his life, including civil rights leader, Georgia Congressman, United Nations Ambassador, and Mayor of Atlanta. He has received honors from numerous countries around the world.
In 1981, President Jimmy Carter, under whom Young served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.
French President François Mitterrand first recognized Young in 1984 when he awarded him the title of “Chevalier” during an official visit to Atlanta. Current President Emmanuel Macron elevated Young to the rank of “Officier” or “Officer” in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to human rights and equality.”
The French Legion of Honor is divided into five degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). Bali, who is himself a Chevalier, also expressed his admiration for Young’s character and charisma.
Joined at the ceremony by his wife, brother, son, and grandson, Young shared with the French delegation stories of his early life, having been born and raised in the French-influenced New Orleans, which fostered his love for French history.
Andrew Young now joins a prestigious group of over 10,000 Americans who have been honored by France, including notable figures like James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Jesse Jackson, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower.