French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the first cohort of the new military service will be named after Henri Fertet, a young resistance fighter who was executed at the age of 16 during World War II. This decision was made during a ceremony at the Orange Air Base 115 on Tuesday, September 15. Macron emphasized that in the future, each new group of military conscripts will be named after a "Companion of Liberation," a title awarded to those who fought against Nazi occupation during the war. Henri Fertet, one of the 1,038 individuals honored as a Companion of Liberation, joined the French Resistance as early as the summer of 1942, when he was just 15 years old. Macron highlighted how Fertet's early commitment to defending France's freedom serves as an inspiration to today’s generation of young people entering national service. His actions reflect the bravery and sacrifice of those who resisted the German occupation during one of France’s darkest periods. Fertet was eventually captured by German forces and subjected to torture during the war. Despite the harsh treatment, he remained steadfast in his resistance. He was executed in 1943, when he was just 16 years old. His story is a powerful reminder of the courage shown by young people during the war, and Macron’s decision to honor him underscores the importance of remembering and drawing inspiration from the past. The naming of the first military service promotion after Fertet is part of Macron’s broader effort to reconnect modern France with its wartime history. By linking current national service with the legacy of resistance fighters, the president aims to instill a sense of duty and historical awareness among today's youth. This initiative reflects a desire to ensure that the sacrifices of the past continue to shape the values and responsibilities of future generations.