As part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the City Hall of the Bouc Bel Air, France, decided to name a square after Henri Verneuil (born Ashot Malakian).
The square was solemnly unveiled on June 27. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Richard Mallié, Henri Verneuil’s wife, their two children and their families, religious leaders, representatives of the local Armenian community and journalists.
Richard Mallié noted in his opening remarks that “although 100 years have passed since the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Turkey and the larger international community is still to recognize this tragedy. “However, there a number of reasonable people, especially artists, trying to condemn Turkey and urge to recognize the genocide perpetrated against the Armenian people. Among them was film director Henri Verneuil, who used the feature film to convey something that would not be possible through speeches and documentaries.”