Wang Shaw-lan, publisher of the local Chinese-language United Daily News, was awarded the Legion of Honor (officer grade) by the French government July 14 for her longstanding efforts to promote Taiwan-France cultural exchanges.
French Institute in Taipei Director-General Patrick Bonneville presented the decoration to Wang on behalf of his government on Bastille Day, France’s national day of celebration.
Upon receiving the honor, Wang said she would dedicate the rest of her life working toward boosting relations between the Republic of China and France. She also said “Long live the ROC” in French, garnering loud applause from those present at the ceremony.
This represents the third major honor that France has bestowed upon Wang. In 1991, then President of the National Assembly Laurent Fabius presented her with the Order of Arts and Letters on behalf of French President Francois Mitterand. Six years later, the Legion of Honor (knight grade) was presented to her in person by then French President Jacques Chirac.
At Wednesday’s ceremony, Bonneville pointed out that Wang has for a long time spared no efforts in promoting French culture. He noted that in 2008, Wang single-handedly organized an exhibition of French realist painter Jean-Francois Millet’s works that attracted more than 700,000 visitors, making it one of the world’s most successful exhibitions that year.
Later, Bonneville continued, she also offered significant assistance in the renovation project for the Musee d’Orsay, a Paris museum located on the left banks of the Seine River. As such, he said that France is extremely honored to bestow upon Wang the higher grade of the Legion of Honor to mark her significant contributions.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Shen Lyu-shun referred to Wang as “the ROC’s glory.” He said he felt very proud and was moved when he heard Wang utter the words “Long live the ROC” in French.
The Legion of Honor is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to recognize military servicemen and civilians for their services to the country. The order is France’s highest decoration and is divided into five classes, namely knight, officer, commander, grand officer and grand cross.
The decoration is presented three times annually, twice to French citizens and once to foreigners. (SB)