French honor those killed in Paris attacks
PARIS — In silence and tears, families of the victims of France’s deadliest terror attacks stood alongside President Emmanuel Macron Monday to honor the 130 people killed two years ago when Islamic State extremists attacked the City of Light.
A crowd joined them at the memorial sites to lay roses and light candles in memory of the victims.
Security was tight for the memorial events — part of the new normal in France since Nov. 13, 2015.
Outside the Stade de France national stadium, Macron and the mayor of the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis placed a wreath of red, white and blue flowers to honor the Portuguese immigrant killed by a suicide bomber, the first victim of the night’s violence.
The commemorations continued at Paris cafes, where city officials read out the names of the 29 people gunned down while dining, drinking and enjoying the balmy night.
Dozens of families and Parisians gathered outside the Bataclan concert hall, where the attacks took their most chilling turn as extremists opened fire on a dancing crowd and held hundreds hostage in an hourslong standoff with police. Ninety people were killed.
Many rescuers and people injured in the attacks, some with crutches, others in wheelchairs, also attended the ceremony.
After the commemoration, Parisians and tourists took their turns pausing near the memorial plaque with the names of victims. Many were crying.
Residents recalled the blasts of explosive belts and assault rifles, and described the wariness that has lingered since. Hundreds were wounded; some survivors are disabled for life, and many have deep psychological scars.
While multicolored balloons took to sunny skies above Paris in honor of the victims, Macron embraced parents and siblings of victims, patting others on the back and listening to them talk about lost loved ones.
Members of California rock band Eagles of Death Metal, which had been playing at the Bataclan on the night of the attack, gave a surprise performance on a Paris plaza.
Visibly moved, singer Jesse Hughes said: “I’m so happy and pleased to see all of you. The only reason we’re still standing is because you all still love rock and roll.”
After singing, he handed out white roses to the crowd.
Leading politicians from rival political parties took part in the somber commemorations, including Francois Hollande, who was president during the attacks.
Parisian Elisabeth Bornand, 56, white roses in her hand, said “I came to show my support to the injured people, the victims’ families. Show them we don’t forget.”