OREANDA-NEWS. The President of the Republic of France, Mr. Francois Hollande, has bestowed one of that nation's highest honors on longtime Miami-Dade Aviation Department official Irving Fourcand. Fourcand, Director of Protocol and International Affairs at Miami International Airport, has been named Chevalier of the National Order of Merit of France - equivalent to a knighthood - for his many years of public service and for his unwavering efforts to strengthen ties between France and South Florida.

Mr. Fourcand, who was educated in Paris, France, has continued to foster relations with the nation throughout his professional career. In his role as Director of Protocol and International Affairs, Fourcand assists foreign heads of state, diplomats and other dignitaries as they travel through MIA. He is also deeply involved in Miami's large community of foreign diplomats who represent more than 75 nations at consulates and diplomatic missions in the greater Miami area.

"Congratulations to Irving on earning this truly remarkable distinction from the president of France," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "Being knighted by a head of state is a tremendous honor and Irving has certainly earned it through his public service and commitment to strengthening cultural and business ties between our local community and France."

The National Order of Merit is the most prestigious recognition awarded by the French government for civil and military achievements and membership to the order is extended to French citizens and foreign nationals alike. Other notable American recipients of this distinction include: U.S. Army General Wesley Clark; U.S. Army General Anthony Zinni; U.S. Army General James L. Jones; and prominent U.S. scholar Bruce Jackson.