Regina war veteran honoured by French government

It's an honour 70 years in the making.

Later today, Harold Hague receives a medal from the governmentof France to honour his role in the Normandy invasionin the Second World War.

At the age of 23, Hague served in the navywith the 31stCanadian Minesweeper Flotilla. His job was to clear enemy mines duringthe invasion.

Today, the 93-year-old says his memories of those events are still vivid.

"To see the magnitude of aircraft and ships and guns and airplanes and paratroopers all coming," remembersHague, "You looked across toward England into the channel. Nobody could ever forget it."

Later today, he will receivethe rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

The medal is to show the "profound gratitude that France would like to express" to the Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the country.

"I receive it very humbly," says Hague."There were 80 guys on the ship with me."

A ceremony to honour Hague will be held at Government House this afternoon.