2025 General Assembly of the Société des membres de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris - 16-17 June 2025

This June, our Secretary, Mr. Gerard Gabriel Leon Millet, proudly represented the Hong Kong Chapter at the SMLH 2025 General Assembly held in Paris.

The Assembly gathered representatives from chapters around the world, offering a rich exchange of perspectives. Discussions highlighted the importance of supporting artists, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering international collaboration as a way to encourage cultural exchange and innovation. Beyond administrative matters, the gathering reaffirmed the unifying spirit and mission of the Société des membres de la Légion d'Honneur.

At the end of the month, Mr. Gerard Gabriel Leon Millet also attended the prestigious ceremony marking the unveiling of the Great Donors commemorative plaque at the Royal Abbey of Saint Denis. This historic abbey, which has housed the Lycée de la Légion d’Honneur since Napoleonic times, provided a majestic setting for the occasion.

The ceremony was presided over by the Grand Chancelier de la Légion d’Honneur, Général d’armée François Lecointre. Lasting more than three hours, the program featured the unveiling of the plaque as well as the inauguration of the newly restored building that will now serve as the archives of the Légion d’Honneur, preserving its history since its founding in 1802 by Napoleon. Guests also visited the beautifully restored formal garden of the cloister and later enjoyed a champagne reception, where Mr. Millet had the opportunity to meet with notable private donors such as Mr. Dassault and the representatives of foundations that generously supported the restoration program.

The contribution of the Légion d’Honneur Hong Kong Chapter was given special prominence, as it stood out among the distinguished supporters. Indeed, along with the American Society of the Légion d’Honneur, our Chapter was the only international chapter whose name was inscribed on the Great Donors plaque. This recognition symbolized the enduring ties of friendship and respect, and Général Lecointre himself expressed his warm gratitude to the Hong Kong Chapter for its support.