IRU Grand Prix d’Honneur 2008 

Speech by Janusz Lacny

IRU President

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At IRU congresses the IRU "Grand Prix d'Honneur" is awarded to a driver who, through his moral and professional qualities during the course of his daily work, has performed an exceptional act of bravery.

It is my honour today to announce that this prize, which is bestowed by an international jury, goes to Mr Barthel Green, whose nomination was submitted by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

May I ask now Mr. Green and Mr Kuntz form ATA to join me on stage. (Applause)

In our modern society, ordinary people still find themselves in extraordinary situations and perform heroic acts, and thanks to Mr Green’s immediate, professional and courageous intervention, young children on board a runaway bus were saved.

Let me draw your attention to the screens for a re-enactment of Mr Green’s heroic act.

The IRU is proud to have such a man amongst the ranks of our Member Associations. It’s through individuals like Mr Green that our industry is worthily served and represented.

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Thank you message by Mr Barthel Green, Winner of the IRU Grand Prix d’Honneur 2008

Barthel GREEN
Winner of IRU Grand Prix d'Honneur 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished delegates,

It is a great honour for me to accept this prestigious prize, and I would like to thank the American Trucking Associations for submitting my nomination, and the IRU for awarding me with the Grand Prix d’Honneur.

For me, it was so obvious to help in the given emergency situation. Since I used to drive a bus and have been driving a truck for years, I knew all I needed to know to get this job done. I don’t think I did anything extraordinary. But I am very glad to have prevented something worse from happening and to those children in the runaway bus.

Thank you.

Watch the movie

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