Plaque honoring Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet unveiled at Tsitsernakaberd Memorial
Yerevan (ARMENPRESS) — A memorial plaque dedicated to French Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet, who extended a helping hand to Armenians during the heroic self-defense of Musa Dagh, has been unveiled at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex.
Soil brought from the admiral’s grave was added to the memorial wall of the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
Admiral du Fournet played a key role in rescuing more than 4,000 Armenians of Musa Dagh, who had resisted forced deportation during the Armenian Genocide. The Armenians, besieged for 53 days and running out of food and ammunition, raised flags made of sheets in a desperate plea for help. Admiral du Fournet, following only his conscience and the honor of a French officer, ordered the rescue of the Armenians.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Baron, who is on an official visit to Armenia, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and the French Ambassador to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies.
“110 years after the Genocide, we commemorate the Armenians of Musa Dagh, who, upon hearing the order for forced deportation, chose to resist,” said Minister Baron. “We pay tribute to the memory of Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet and, through him, to the crew of the French Third Fleet in the Mediterranean who saved more than 4,000 Armenians from the clutches of the Genocide. He acted without orders, guided only by his conscience and the honor of a French officer.”
The French minister also honored the enduring spirit of the Musa Dagh resistance, highlighting the determination and loyalty displayed by both the people of Musa Dagh and Admiral du Fournet.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that this moment is deeply personal for him. Long before entering politics, Mirzoyan researched the stories of those who risked their lives to save Armenians during the Genocide.
“The history of the Genocide is, of course, first and foremost a story of tragedy, but it is also a story of hope,” Mirzoyan said. “Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet and others who saved Armenians did so at great risk to their lives and careers. People like him continue to restore our faith in humanity.”
Edita Gzoyan, Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, described the day as historic for both the Armenian and French peoples.
“110 years after the Armenian Genocide and the self-defense of Musa Dagh, the Armenian people express their gratitude to the French admiral who saved thousands,” Gzoyan said. “After a pause of more than 13 years, we are once again adding soil to the memorial wall, and installing a plaque in his honor.”
