In a moving ceremony at the Élysée Palace, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Légion d’Honneur, in recognition of his decades-long contributions to strengthening the bond between the United States and France. The award ceremony, held in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and numerous dignitaries, was a deeply personal moment for Blinken, who reflected on his long connection to France and the enduring principles that guide his work in public service.
“I have the words, but it’s hard to find the words,” Blinken began, his voice filled with emotion as he addressed the room. “This is the honor of a lifetime to receive this award, surrounded by people I consider my extended family, in a city I’ve long called home away from home.”
The Secretary’s remarks, delivered in both French and English, were a heartfelt tribute to France, a country that has shaped much of his life. Blinken recounted his early years in Paris, where he moved with his mother Judith and stepfather Samuel Pisar at the age of nine. He shared his experiences of learning French and embracing the country’s culture through its music, literature, and cinema. From the legendary songs of Sardou and Gainsbourg to the films of Truffaut and Malle, Blinken’s immersion in French life deeply influenced his worldview and, unbeknownst to him at the time, helped foster the diplomatic skills that would define his career.
“In those early years, I learned from extraordinary teachers — not just in the classroom, but from the culture that surrounded me. From the French writers I read to the films I watched, it was here that I learned to see the world differently and to appreciate the importance of understanding other cultures,” he said.
As Blinken reflected on the lessons he learned in Paris, he also paid tribute to the figures who shaped his sense of duty. He spoke fondly of his stepfather, Samuel Pisar, a Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to fostering reconciliation between France and Germany and advocating for global peace. Pisar’s philosophy, Blinken explained, was one of vigilance and hope, grounded in the belief that past horrors do not dictate the future — but that humanity must remain watchful to prevent history from repeating itself.
“My stepfather’s message — to remain vigilant, to never forget, and to ensure that ‘never again’ becomes a reality — is a lesson I carry with me every day in my work,” Blinken said. “His legacy, like that of my mother, has driven me to serve not just as a diplomat, but as someone who believes deeply in the power of people to come together, to learn from each other, and to make the world a better place.”
The ceremony also gave Blinken the opportunity to reflect on the deep and enduring friendship between the United States and France. A long-standing alliance rooted in shared democratic principles, the two nations have stood together in moments of global crisis, from the battle against tyranny in World War II to the joint efforts in combating climate change and upholding human rights.
Blinked noted the special responsibility that comes with preserving and strengthening this vital relationship, particularly at a time when both nations face internal challenges such as political polarization and external threats from adversaries who seek to undermine the international order. He emphasized that the future of democracy lies not only with governments but also with the citizens who uphold democratic values in their daily lives.
“In this moment, as our republics are being challenged both from within and from without, we must continue to adapt, to learn from each other, and to work together to make each other better,” Blinken said. “The health of a democratic society, as Alexis de Tocqueville once said, can be measured by the actions of its citizens.”
Blinken’s remarks were particularly poignant as he prepares for his transition to private life, marking the end of an era of public service that has spanned decades. But his commitment to the enduring values of liberty, equality, and human rights remains strong. He ended his speech with a rallying cry for unity, quoting the French national anthem in a moment of shared passion and determination.
“So, aux armes, citoyens. Marchons, marchons ensemble. Vive la France,” he declared, before concluding with a heartfelt “May God bless America.”
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation, as Blinken received the Légion d’Honneur from President Macron, an honor that not only recognized his personal contributions but also symbolized the deep and enduring ties between France and the United States.