Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet received France’s Legion of Honor medal, one of the country’s most prestigious awards, during a ceremony Friday (May 12) at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge.
France’s Consul General Grégor Trumel presented the medal to the secretary amid a crowd of relatives and friends, including the host for the event, Gov. John Bel Edwards and his wife, Donna.
“This honor symbolizes France’s profound recognition of your eminent career at the Louisiana House of Representatives and…public service,” Trumel said of Montoucet, from Scott, in a letter notifying him that he would be receiving the award.
“This award also recognizes your groundbreaking works and your personal role as a privileged partner of the Consulate General of France in New Orleans and your constant efforts contributing to the promotion of France and especially of French culture and Francophonie (French speaking) in Louisiana,” the letter said.
The secretary was nominated for the award, which has gone to the likes of Colin Powell, Tom Hanks and President Dwight Eisenhower, anonymously.
“I can tell you this, he is very proud of his French heritage and has done a lot to promote the French culture in Louisiana,” the nominator said.
The Legion of Honor medal is France’s premier award and was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to recognize eminent accomplishments of service to France. The Legion of Honor may be given to foreign (non-French) citizens in recognition of actions benefitting the country of France or achievements which uphold its ideas.
“This is a very special award for me and my family,” said Montoucet, who is noted for adding a little French in his political and community speeches. Citing his French ancestry, Moutoucet said his great-, great-, great-grandfather actually served with Napoleon before coming to Louisiana.
“I am both surprised and honored to be selected for this honor,” he said. “I hope I have made my French ancestors proud.”
Montoucet, who has served as LDWF secretary for five months, was in the Louisiana Legislature for nine years prior to being named to the post by Gov. Edwards. He also owned an alligator farming and meat processing business called Jacques’ Croc’s & Farm Pride Processors. In addition, he was fire chief in Lafayette for five years.
Several other Americans have received the Legion of Honor medal, including Wynton Marsalis, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Quincy Jones, Steven Spielberg, Barbara Streisand, Alan Greenspan, Orson Welles and Bob Dylan.