Armand de Malherbe, a founder of the International Communications Forum, was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest decoration, by François Fillon, Minister of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity in the present government. The ceremony took place on 3rd September 2002 in a main reception room of the Ministry, overlooking the Place des Invalides and close to the building of the National Assembly. The award was made by order of the President of the Republic and honoured de Malherbe’s remarkable service to his country in time of War, through his work at the highest levels in the advertising industry and a Vice President of the Conseil General of the Sarthe department.

In his address, François Fillon emphasised the selfless nature of de Malherbe’s contribution to his nation’s life and also felt that he merited mention in the book of records for having been elected mayor of his township for forty three years continuously.

In his speech of response, de Malherbe was forthright in his appeal for integrity at all levels of government and business. He referred to his long association with the media and underlined the need for its responsibility to society and spoke of the presence in the audience of a friend (ICF Founder President Bill Porter) who had initiated an effective movement to this end. He spoke of the great service given to the community by thousands of grass-roots municipal councillors and ended with expressing his heartfelt conviction of the importance of sound family life and his gratitude for the presence of so many members of his own family, wife, children and grandchildren, at the occasion.