France bestows its highest honor to Montgomery veteran
Consul General of France, Yannick Tagand, presents and pins the French Legion of Honor medal on WWII veteran Arnold “Buck” J. Zahratka in a special ceremony on Wednesday morning, March 23. (Wade Young Photo)
France bestowed its greatest honor to a Montgomery veteran on Wednesday, March 23.
WWII Veteran Arnold “Buck” J. Zahratka received the Legion of Honor by the Consul General of France, Yannick Tagand. The special event included remarks by U.S. Senators, officials from Minnesota Veterans Affairs, and Montgomery Mayor, Tom Eisert.
In his remarks, Tagand said Zahratka served in three major campaigns - Northern France, Ardennes, and Rhineland. He addressed Private First Class Zahratka, saying among the awards he has received, France wishes to honor him with the French Legion of Honor.
“Thanks to your unfailing determination and bravery, you and your companions have restored hope to millions of people - hope that had been crushed by intolerance, violence and the tyranny of the night,” Tagand told him. “You are part of the Greatest Generation of men and women who had put their ideals, their minds and their courage to the service of democracy and the dignity of humankind. Mr. Zahratka, you are a true hero. Thanks to you, I grew up in a free country.”
Buck said receiving the award felt, "pretty damn good."
For more, pick up the March 31 Montgomery Messenger.
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