Kenneth Guetzke, a 96-year-old retired lieutenant colonel who landed on Omaha Beach during World War II’s D-Day invasion, will be honored Thursday with a “Chevalier” of the French Legion of Honor.

Gov. Mark Dayton, House Speaker Rep. Kurt Zellers, Rep. Jenifer Loon and others will host the award event at 3:30 p.m. in the community room of The Colony at Eden Prairie.

An announcement says that Guetzke is getting the award as a symbol of appreciation from France and President Nicolas Sarkozy for his contributions during World War II. Guetzke also earned a Purple Heart at Omaha Beach.