For many years after the war Aubrac talked to schools about the Resistance and its goals.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

To the very end, Aubrac preferred thinking of the present and the future rather than his storied past.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

Aubrac was a Jew of Polish origin whose real name was Raymond Samuel.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

In a BBC interview earlier this year, Aubrac recalled that fateful day.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

In the chaotic aftermath of the liberation in June 1944, Aubrac became the commissioner of the new Republic in the port of Marseille.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

In June 1943 Moulin and Aubrac were captured, along with other resistance leaders, by the Lyon Gestapo, led at the time by the infamous Klaus Barbie.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

Another source of regret for Raymond Aubrac was his failure to persuade his parents to leave France for the safety of Switzerland even though he had secured false papers for them.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Aubrac Wednesday.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies

Foreign Minister Alain Juppe also spoke admiringly of Aubrac.

CNN: Nazi era French Resistance leader dies