Passing of Mr. Jacques Goujat, Honorary President of the WVF

It is with profound sadness and emotion that we announce the passing of Mr. Jacques Goujat, Honorary President of the World Veterans Federation, on 19 May 2019, following a long illness.

His parting is a great loss to the French Veteran Community, to whom he showed unfaltering commitment throughout his career, and to the International Veterans Community, who he served through his many years of service to the WVF.

Born in 1935 in the Paris region, Jacques Goujat began his career in the insurance sector before becoming a major actor in the French veteran community, in which he has held the most eminent responsibilities: Head of the National Federation of Veterans and Prisoners of War (FNCP-CATM), President of the French Union of Associations of Combatants and Victims of War (UFAC), President of the Independent Veterans Pension Fund (CARAC) and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Office of Veterans and Victims of War (ONACVG). An expert in veterans issues, particularly concerning their recognition and the defense of their rights, Mr. Goujat was also a member of the High Council for Veterans’ Memory, presided by the President of the French Republic.

On an international level, Mr. Goujat’s actions in favour of disarmament, conflict resolution, international security and peace have earned him recognition and respect. Within the WVF, Mr. Goujat was elected Vice President in 2003. He held this post until his election as Deputy President in 2006, and became Acting President in 2014, remaining in this function until 2015 when he decided to retire. He was named Honorary President of the WVF by the 28th General Assembly in 2015.

Mr. Goujat, Honorary Captain, served in Algeria and Morocco (1957-1958) and was a Commander of the Legion of Honour. He was awarded many titles of honour in France and abroad.

During his twelve years on the WVF Executive Board, Mr. Jacques Goujat has made great contributions to the work of the Federation, perhaps most notably through the tremendous work he carried out for the organisation of the 7th International Conference on Legislation in 2010 as Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, where his expertise, knowledge and dedication contributed to the huge success of this event.

Jacques Goujat will be remembered for his rigor, his professionalism and his good humour. He will be greatly missed by all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues and his friends.