Denis de Kergorlay received ‘La Légion d’Honneur’

Europa Nostra’s Executive President Denis de Kergorlay was honoured with ‘La Croix de Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’, one of the highest distinctions conferred by the French Republic, at a memorable ceremony at the Cercle Interallié in Paris on 10 January. The white star hanging from a red ribbon, which has been a symbol of talent, courage and dedication to the nation for more than two centuries, was awarded to Denis de Kergorlay for his voluntary engagement for the safeguard of cultural and natural heritage and for his active contribution to European and international cooperation in this field.

The French ambassador, Jean-David Levitte, paid tribute to Denis Kergorlay’s achievements both as Executive President of Europa Nostra and as President of the French Heritage Society. “It is thanks to the invaluable service of personalities such as Denis de Kergorlay that our country is able to preserve its historical heritage”.

In his acceptance speech, after vividly evoking episodes from his professional and personal life, Denis de Kergorlay declared: “Everything I do in favour of cultural and natural heritage, I do it for pleasure, with pleasure. Because I am truly interested in it and I modestly believe my work can be useful. I accept ‘la Légion d’Honneur’ in recognition of and as encouragement for a collective action”.

After expressing his pride in leading Europa Nostra, Denis de Kergorlay praised the priceless contribution of all its members to strengthening the organisation’s influence, thus raising the Voice of Cultural Heritage in Europe. “In this context, the choice of the tenor Plácido Domingo for the presidency could not have been more appropriate”, he added.

Denis de Kergorlay conceded that “the battle for the recognition of the historical legacy and the value of its transmission to the future generations is far from won”, therefore he encouraged each and every one of us to continue working assiduously for this ’common good’.