SPEARFISH | Kenneth Higashi sat at attention, only his use of a wheelchair keeping him from rising to receive France’s highest civil and military distinction, the Legion of Honor, before grateful family, friends and neighbors on Friday.
Alert Featured
Spearfish man receives France’s highest ACCOLADE
Spearfish WWII veteran, 97, receives France's highest honor
1 of 14
World War II veteran Kenneth Higashi of Spearfish wears the French Legion of Honor medal on his sweater after ceremonies Friday in Spearfish. Higashi, 97, received the medal for his part in liberating France during the war.
French Consul General for the Midwest, Guillaume Lacroix, greets Kenneth Higashi of Spearfish during a reception Friday in Spearfish. Lacroix presented Higashi with the French Legion of Honor medal for his service with the U.S. Army in liberating France in World War II.
The certificate accompanying the French Legion of Honor presented to Kenneth Higashi of Spearfish during ceremonies on Friday.
Kenneth Higashi listens to a speaker during a his French Legion of Honor presentation ceremony Friday in Spearfish. At right is Higashi's wife, Phyliss.
World War II veteran Kenneth Higashi of Spearfish wears the French Legion of Honor medal on his sweater after ceremonies Friday in Spearfish. Higashi, 97, received the medal for his part in liberating France during the war. Higashi's wife, Phyliss, is in the background.
Kenneth Higashi receives the French Legion of Honor medal from Guillaume Lacroix, Consul General of France to the Midwest during ceremonies Friday in Spearfish.
Kenneth Higashi shakes hands with Major General Jeffrey Marlette, Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard, during ceremonies Friday in Spearfish.
Kenneth Higashi is helped with his wheelchair during a his French Legion of Honor presentation ceremony Friday in Spearfish. At left is Higashi's wife, Phyliss.
Kenneth Higashi is applauded after receiving U.S. military medals during ceremonies Friday in Spearfish. From left, master of ceremonies Gregory Dias, Higashi, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey P. Marlette and Sgt. Maj. Patrick Couser of the South Dakota National Guard.
Spectators take mobile phone photos and video Kenneth Higashi's French Legion of Honor presentation ceremony Friday in Spearfish.
Merida Smith holds Kamden Moser during Kenneth Higashi's French Legion of Honor presentation ceremony Friday in Spearfish. Moser is a great-grandson of Higashi's wife, Phyliss.
South Dakota Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden presents a commemorative coin to Kenneth Higashi during French Legion of Honor presentation ceremony Friday in Spearfish.
Ellie Greger, left, and Ashton Reiners of Spearfish, sing the National Anthem during Kenneth Higashi's French Legion of Honor presentation ceremony Friday in Spearfish.
