Roland Gaul, founder of the National Military Museum in Diekirch, Luxembourg, recently received the Order of Merit – Officer Class from Grand Duke Guillaume. The award was presented to Gaul for his exceptional work in preserving and passing on Luxembourg’s World War II history.  

In a social media post, Gaul said he was deeply honored by the prestigious award. 

“I am greatly honored…to have recently received the Luxembourg national award and recognition of the “Order of Merit” in “Officer” class. It is customary for the Government of Luxembourg on behalf of HRH the Grand Duke to present national decorations in different classes to meritorious citizens in a range of fields on the occasion of the Luxembourg National Holiday (June 23). As I was out-of-country and therefore could not attend the actual award ceremony in person, I received the decoration cross and lapel together with the matching certificate upon my return, last week. I feel deeply honored by this prestigious official recognition as the initiator, co-founder and retired director/curator of the National Museum of Military History in my hometown of Diekirch. The decoration was primarily awarded to me for almost 40 years of volunteer work to develop legacy tourism in the Luxembourg Ardennes as an early pioneer in that sector in addition to planning numbers of commemorations, creating “history circuits and walking tours” and assisting with the erection of WWII memorials. Finally, also for transborder and transatlantic cooperation in the area of “WWII legacy tourism” with our Belgian, French and German neighbors and the United States. A great honor indeed and an encouragement to continue along that line as a “veteran” volunteer and independent networker despite retirement and age limits!” 

Luxembourg Legacy has worked with Gaul on our tours for nearly 20 years and we extend our heartfelt congratulations!