AVIGNON, France (Public Radio of Armenia) — A bust of Missak Manouchian, the national French hero of the French Resistance, was unveiled in Perdiguier Central Park here, on Tuesday, November 8.
Attending the event were the Mayor of Avignon, Cécile Helle, Armenia’s Honorary Consul in Marseille Samvel Lalayan, President of the Armenian-French Cultural Association of Avignon Véronique Bruna-Mardoyan, members of French Senate and National Assembly, creator of the sculpture Marcella Kratz, representatives of local and regional governments, political and public figures, clergymen and French Armenians.
Helle presented the amazing story of Manouchian, emphasizing the respect and love he earned in France for his contribution to the anti-Fascist struggle.
The ceremony was followed by the screening of Robert Guédiguian’s film, “Army of Crime,” (L’Armée du crime), dedicated to Manouchian and his group.
The event was widely covered in the local press.