Louis Bloom, a resident at the Masonic care home Lord Harris Court in Berkshire, has been presented with the insignia of the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, the highest decoration in France.
French President Hollande announced on the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014 that The Legion of Honour would be awarded to all surviving D-Day veterans.
French Ambassador Madame Sylvie Bermann presented the award to Mr Bloom and offered her “warmest congratulations on this high honour”. Recognising his involvement in the liberation of France during WWII she added: “we owe our freedom and security to your dedication because you were ready to risk your life.”
Lord Harris Court in Berkshire is a Masonic care home operated by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution(RMBI). The RMBI runs over 17 Masonic care homes across England and Wales and provides residential and nursing care, specialist dementia support and day services to over 1,000 people.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation provides charitable grants to RMBI residents from the Masonic community who are no longer able to afford the fees associated with their care. Those who choose an RMBI Home have the security of knowing that they have a home for life, even if their financial circumstances change.
The Bucks 2021 Festival Appeal will raise funds for the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families. For more information about the RMBI, please visit: www.rmbi.org.uk.
