JANUARY 2008
The ceremony took place on Saturday, January 29th at 6 pm, in the space Garibaldi of Nice, in front of an audience who came to honour all the prize-winners of this evening, among whom, writers, army officers, painters, and that, in presence of the local press. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail offered by the mayor of the city. Master MAROTEAUX, in his quality of writer, philosopher and budoka, was proposed in this high distinction (golden medal), for services returned to the human community.
During his short speech, the national President, Jean-Paul DE BERNIS, underlined his merits and his dedication to others. It is in laudatory terms that he redrew his atypical route, while underlining the fact that he published around thirty books on martial arts isue, making of him the second writer of France in this domain; that he teaches voluntarily martial arts for 40 years; that he based a magnificent internal review which is adorned since 20 years this year, and that he is the official coordinator of the Daï Butokukaï ( Japan ) for France, holder of high ranks and titles in traditional japanese martial arts. A well deserved reward, after a life dedicated to cultural and leisure activities, which honours all his pupils and friends, as well as the branch Maroto-ha ( which he is the founder) of the old and prestigious school Takeda-ryu. 40.700 medals and crosses of this type were awarded all over the world.
The French medal of Merit and dedication has been created in 1957, by the general Raoul Guerry. It is an association which settled for purpose to favor and reward the persons who - both in France and abroad - had activities susceptible to contribute to the prestige of France, as well in the field of the Arts and Letters, of Sciences or Sports. It encourages and rewards the persons practising the voluntary help or realizing good actions, under all forms. It enjoys, on behalf of the public authorities, of the highest consideration. Its committee of honor counts different prestigious personalities like: Mme la maréchale de Lattre de Tassigny, The Admiral Jean-Paul Turc, General Jacques Massu, General Jean Combrette, professor Chabrol, Mathé et Bernard, Gérard Oury, Michèle Morgan, Charles Aznavour, Alain Colas, Louis Le Prince Ringuet, Aroun Tazieff, David Douillet, Tesshin Hamada, Marcel Achard,