Monday to the Invalides took place the tribute ceremony to the thirteen soldiers died in Mali. President Emmanuel Macron pronounced their eulogy, saluting their "sacrifice", before handing them the legion of honor posthumously. The father of a French soldier who died in Mali in November 2016 was on Europe 1, Monday, to testify.

INTERVIEW

On November 25th, thirteen French soldiers died in Mali during a helicopter crash, in the middle of an anti-terrorist hunt. On Monday, a tribute ceremony was held at the Invalides, in the presence of Emmanuel Macron. Domique Jacq, the father of a soldier killed in Mali three years ago, was on Europe 1 Monday to testify.

Legion of Honor posthumously

His son, Marshal of Logis-Chef, died in November 2016 as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel. At 28, he was mortally wounded by the explosion of a mine in Mali. Dominique Jacq attended Monday's national tribute, which did not fail to move him: "It's a highlight because individually, it brings me back to November 2016. I also felt a need to be in front of this tribute in solidarity with the families because I know what they live ".

Emmanuel Macron "bowed to their sacrifice", before handing them the Legion of Honor posthumously. "I was sensitive to the personal tribute, the president bowing and paying tribute to each soldier, it is the entire nation and each French who pay tribute to fallen soldiers," says the father of the sergeant -chief.

Heard on europe1:

The first week after the death, it is very formal. My son was returned to me on the day of the family funeral.

Dominique Jacq, however, wishes to point out that this ceremony honors the soldiers, not the lost sons of the families: "The first week after the death, it is very formal, I was returned my son on the day of the family funeral. honored the soldier, the child of the nation, for a week, not my son, I really said goodbye to my son only 8 days later. "

"We find his true personality and his true bruising once the bellows have fallen .. Fortunately, there is an unwavering support of the army and comrades," he concludes.