A tribute ceremony in memory of former Argentina international Federico Martin Aramburu, shot dead in the early morning of Saturday, March 19, 2022, took place in Paris on Sunday. A moment of intense emotion and meditation in the presence of the family and loved ones of the former Biarritz player, killed at the age of 42.
They met there, at 146 boulevard Saint-Germain, in the capital’s sixth arrondissement where Federico Martin Aramburu was killed a year ago. The ceremony, organized by the City of Paris on the initiative of Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor in charge of sports, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Seine, turned out to be sober but with an always lively emotion. Many personalities from the rugby world attended this tribute. First on the scene with some relatives: Gonzalo Quesada. He was followed by Shaun Hegarty, survivor of the shooting of this sad night of March 19, 2022.
Many personalities from the rugby world attended this tribute, including Gonzalo Quesada.
The vice-president of the FFR Serge Simon, but also the former president Bernard Laporte and the ex-captain of the XV of France Guilhem Guirado were also present. Just like former partners of Biarritz Olympique: Brusque, Thion, Traille, Couzinet, Yachvili, Thomas Lievremont, Dusautoir, Carizza. Former internationals such as Philippe Sella, Serge Blanco or Pascal Ondarts. The scrum half of the XV of France Maxime Lucu had also left the Hotel des Bleus to attend this ceremony. The latter had dedicated the Blues grand slam to Federico Martin Aramburu, the day of his death a year ago.
The former president of the FFR Bernard Laporte was present.
“All extremism causes disasters”
A few seconds before the start of the ceremony, the sky darkened and heavy raindrops fell, mixing with each other’s tears. Like a symbol. Before that, the parents and part of the Aramburu family, who arrived from Argentina in the middle of the week, were received at the town hall by Anne Hidalgo, the capital’s first councilor. In her speech, marked with a strong political message, Cecilia Aramburu, Federico’s mother, made no secret of her incomprehension and her many questions. “All extremism causes disasters […] But this irrational hatred, characteristic of the far right for anything it perceives as different from itself, makes it a constant threat to any society.
A temporary plaque, honoring the former Puma player, has been unveiled. Another, brought by the family (which is not intended to be affixed) had an explicit message: “Never again should a family be robbed because of the ideas and hatred that nestle in fanaticism like that of the ‘extreme right’.” is clearly targeting the two accused, Loïk Le Priol and Romain Bouvier, far-right militants who were shown and suspected to be the murderers. “We will always fight against the ideas that led to this tragedy, vowed Pierre Rabadan. I will again and again denounce the identity ideology, the racism. Federico Martin Aramburu will be a face in this struggle.” And to add: “Fede was in Paris to enjoy life in this neighborhood so typical of rugby. He was killed cold. It could have been me…”
A temporary plaque, honoring the former Puma player, has been unveiled.
The ceremony ended with the sound of “Give Joy to My Heart”* by Fito Paez, beautifully played by Maria Martin Aramburu. The widow of the former rugby player, her three-year-old son Santiago in her arms, wore a sunny smile on her face, no doubt masking a deep pain.
* brings joy to my heart