Princess Cruises passengers meet soldier who sent telegraph announcing end of WWII in Europe

Gregory Melikian is one of Last Surviving Witnesses to End of the War

Captain Edward Perrin met with Gregory Melikian on the Star Princess bridge.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 9, 2012) – Princess Cruises passengers aboard Star Princess last week were treated to a special presentation from the soldier who sent the message ending World War II in Europe.

When he was an Army Signal Corps sergeant in 1945, 20-year-old Gregory Melikian was tasked with sending the a telegraph message from General Dwight Eisenhower announcing the end of the war in Europe.

The message, originating from a schoolhouse in Reims, France – the makeshift Allied headquarters – was sent shortly after the surrender of German forces. For serving in France at this time, he is also being considered for the French Legion of Honour.
 
Hundreds of passengers joined Cruise Director Martyn Moss in the Princess Theater for a question and answer session, and many lined up afterward just to shake the hand that sent that historic telegraph.

Today Melikian is a philanthropist, business owner, and an honorary commander of the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He sailed with a large group of family members and friends, and was invited to meet Captain Edward Perrin on the ship’s bridge.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.3 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days.

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