Dear President Hollande,

The world has stood united with France in its condemnation of the atrocious acts of terrorism committed in Paris. More than a million people marched in solidarity. A million.

This number brings back painful memories for the people of the land your country recently considered a part of France. That nation is still known today as the "land of a million martyrs." No French President has ever issued a formal apology for the Algerian War. The countless lives taken still have no name, and their families no closure. You mentioned on your first visit to Algeria as President that conditions under the 132 years of French rule were "unjust" and "brutal" and that a "new era" of relations between the two nations is starting. But you stopped short of a formal apology. More has to be said for the lives taken.

The events that took place in France in recent days have been condemned by millions of Muslims worldwide. The victims of the Charlie Hebdo attacks were correctly labeled martyrs for freedom of speech. It is time you acknowledge the martyrs that died for independence from France.

This is a war that is only a generation old, beginning in 1954 and ending after eight bloody years in 1963. It is still fresh in the memory of many people living today. At a time when we must stand united, it is time that we put our differences aside.

I am not Charlie Hebdo. I am the moderate Muslim that is called upon to condemn terrorist acts I would rather die than commit every time they occur. Ahmed Merabet died defending that very same sentiment. Mr. Hollande, it is time you issue a formal apology for the crimes committed against the Algerian people during the war of independence.

Apologize for the million martyrs. Apologize for the millions of outstanding French citizens of Algerian origin living in France today. Apologize so that the "new era" can truly begin. You can sincerely attempt to better Franco-Algerian relations, and simultaneously, Western-Islamic relations. Accountability is a two-way street. In the words of the Spike Lee joint: "Do the Right Thing."

Sign this petition if you believe it is time that the French government be held accountable and apologize for its massacre of the Algerian people. Raise awareness of this issue. Time Magazine published an article January 13th, 2015 about how this is still a major issue today which can be read here: http://time.com/3664161/france-algeria-muslim-violence/