On Thursday, France observed a national tribute honoring the victims of the November 13 attacks, marking ten years since this tragic event. During the commemoration, the names of the 132 deceased were read aloud. The ceremonies took place at several significant locations, including the Stade de France, Parisian terraces, and the Bataclan concert hall, the sites of the terrorist attacks.
Macron’s Firm Response to Terrorism
President Emmanuel Macron attended the memorial service and stated that every measure would be taken to prevent further attacks on France. He emphasized, “No one can guarantee the end of terrorism, but we can assure that those who take up arms against France will face severe consequences.”
Significant Ceremonial Highlights
The ceremonies began as night fell with church bells across Paris ringing to signal the event’s start. An instrumental version of AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” was played as a tribute. A light projection featured Marianne, the personification of the French Republic, shedding blue and red tears. The Eiffel Tower was illuminated in the colors of the French flag.
- The event included a performance by the Eagles of Death Metal’s lead singer, who sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with a choir of survivors.
- Memorial activities featured a ten-minute silence during which the names of the victims were solemnly recited.
Remembrance of the Night of Horror
On November 13, 2015, coordinated attacks by ISIS militants targeted various locations throughout Paris, including the Stade de France and public terraces. A total of 130 people were killed, with many others injured.
Philippe Duperron, president of the victims’ association “13onze15,” reflected on the unity of society during that tragic time and expressed gratitude for the ceremony that honored the victims.
Heroism Acknowledged
Macron also announced the forthcoming decoration of the Legion of Honor for police officers who intervened during the Bataclan attack, describing the pain of the victims’ families as “senseless and unbearable.”
Ceremonies commenced at the Stade de France with family members of the victims, including the daughter of the first casualty, Manuel Dias. She poignantly stated, “We will never forget; some say to move on ten years later, but the absence is immense.”
Ongoing Impact and Legacy
A memorial garden featuring granite blocks representing the attack sites was inaugurated in central Paris. Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the terrorist group, was sentenced in 2022 to life imprisonment for his role in the attacks.
These attacks concluded a tumultuous year for France, which also witnessed other acts of terrorism, including the Charlie Hebdo shooting and hostage crisis during the same year.
