Legion of Honor award. Photo: NASA

In ceremonies Tuesday night in Washington, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin was awarded one of France's highest and most distinguished honors, the "Officer of the Legion of Honor."

Administrator Goldin was recognized for his contributions to the development and broadening of American-French civil space cooperation. The Administrator was presented with the award by the Ambassador of France, His Excellency Francois Bujon de l'Estang, at a ceremony at the French Ambassador's residence.

"It is a rare and distinct privilege to be included among the many illustrious individuals throughout history who have been granted this prestigious award, and I am very honored," stated Administrator Goldin.

"The award's genesis is rooted in a period of French history when its explorers were boldly expanding the frontiers of the New World," the Administrator continued. "Today, the French people are building on that legacy of exploration by helping NASA and our other strategic partners boldly expand the frontier of space with the International Space Station.

In addition, NASA is working with the French space agency (CNES) in areas such as Mars exploration, Earth observation and the flight of French astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle, all of which are testimony to a vigorous and robust cooperative program between the two agencies."

Napoleon created the Legion of Honor in 1802 to reward military and civil merits in the service of France.

From the beginning, the honor has been conferred on eminent persons in all walks of life - members of the military, magistrates, administrators and civil servants as well as people of distinguished achievements in the arts, fine arts, teaching, agriculture, trade and industry.

Today, the Legion of Honor is awarded to French citizens as well as non-French individuals to recognize outstanding contributions to humankind.