The Cuomo Foundation and the Legion of Honour: Preserving a Legacy of Excellence

On June 30, the Cuomo Foundation was honoured to be received by the Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour at the Maison d’Éducation in Saint-Denis. The occasion, attended by fellow patrons of the Legion of Honour, commemorated the principles of gratitude and the sharing of republican ideals.

The Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour has achieved several significant milestones in recent years, thanks to the unwavering support of its major donors.

One of the most significant is the conversion of the former infirmary at the Maison d'Éducation in Saint-Denis into a leading-edge pavilion dedicated to the preservation, access, and promotion of the institution's archives. After nearly two years of development, this freshly restored facility is a significant accomplishment for the Mémoire de l'Honneur project, which received funding from the Cuomo Foundation in 2023.

The patrons were also given an exclusive preview of the archives' upcoming digital gateway. This new tool, which will launch during the next European Heritage Days, will provide expanded public access to an unparalleled collection of materials.

Another high point of the event was the inauguration of the cloister garden. The garden was extensively replanted in 2025 after being damaged by the box tree moth and faithfully restored to its original arrangement using robust plant species. The result is a respectful renovation that retains the site's historical significance.

To conclude the occasion, a plaque engraved with the names of the most generous donors since 2013 was solemnly unveiled—an enduring tribute to those who have supported the Grand Chancellery’s mission to safeguard and share its unique heritage.

©️ Photos Marlène Awaad