On February 21 a commemoration ceremony was held in Fort Mont-Valerien which is in the suburbs of Paris, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the execution of the members of Missak Manouchian’s group by Nazis. The ceremony was also attended by the President Francois Hollande.

The French President Hollande put a wreath in the Memorial and delivered a speech.

Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian also took part in the ceremony and put a wreath in the name of the Republic of Armenia.
During the ceremony the letter of Missak Manouchian written in the last hours of life to his wife Meline was read out:
“In a couple of hours I won’t exist in this world, I will be shot in the afternoon.
Bless those who will be saved and will enjoy the sweetness of liberty and the peace of tomorrow.
I am sure the French people and all those who fought for liberty will carry our memory with honour.
If possible convey my memories to my relatives who live in Armenia.”- wrote Missak Manouchian in the last moments of his life to the wife.

In his speech the President of France Francois Hollande stated:
“Manouchian was one of those Armenians who survived the Armenian Genocide, afterwards established themselves in France and participated in the liberation struggle of our country. Manouchian was not the only Armenian who sacrificed his life for France.”
The ceremony was also attended by Members of the French Government, Senate and the National Assembly politicians, celebrities, Charles Aznavour, representatives of the Armenian organizations in France.