France's Macron pays homage to the victims of the 2015 Paris terror attacks • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• November 13, 2015 Paris Attacks: Coordinated terrorist attacks in France, the worst on its soil since WWII.
• Stade de France: Location of one of the initial attacks.
• Bataclan Concert Hall: Site of the deadliest attack, where 90 people were killed.
• Suicide Vests: Worn by attackers at the Bataclan.
• Hostage Situation: Two attackers held a dozen hostages for two hours at the Bataclan.
• Special Forces Assault: Launched by police at midnight 20 Paris time to end the Bataclan siege.
• Place de la République: Became a symbolic spot for solidarity and tributes following the attacks.
• Resilience and Solidarity: Themes emphasized in the commemoration, reflecting Paris's spirit.
• "Fluctuat nec mergitur": Paris's city motto, meaning "Tossed by the waves but does not sink."

Commemoration of the 2015 Paris Attacks

Ten years ago, on November 13th, France experienced its most severe attacks since World War II. A series of coordinated assaults targeted multiple locations, beginning at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis and extending to bars, restaurants, and the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris. The attacks resulted in 130 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

Ceremonies and Tributes

Throughout the day, various ceremonies are being held to honor the victims. The first ceremony took place at the Stade de France, featuring a speech by the daughter of a victim and the mayor of Saint-Denis. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron attended this ceremony.

President Macron is scheduled to visit all six attack sites throughout the day, laying wreaths and listening to the names of the victims being read.

Sites of the Attacks

• Stade de France (Saint-Denis): The initial attack occurred here.
• Comptoir Voltaire (11th Arrondissement, Paris): A suicide bomber detonated inside this cafe-restaurant. While no civilians were killed, the bomber died.
• La Belle Équipe (11th Arrondissement, Paris): Approximately 20 people were killed at this cafe.
• Bataclan Concert Hall (11th Arrondissement, Paris): The site of the most devastating attack, where 90 people lost their lives.

At the Comptoir Voltaire, President Macron, the First Lady, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo participated in a ceremony, laying a wreath and observing a minute of silence before a commemorative plaque.

The Bataclan Attack

Catherine Norris Trent provided a detailed account of the events at the Bataclan concert hall. The venue was nearly full, with attendees watching the American rock band The Eagles of Death Metal. Three attackers, armed and wearing suicide vests, breached the hall and opened fire on the crowd.

• Initial Assault: Within the first 30 minutes, hundreds of bullets were fired, resulting in 90 deaths. The scene was described as one of pandemonium and terror, with people attempting to escape over the bodies of the deceased.
• Hostage Situation: A group of about a dozen individuals were taken upstairs to a small room and held hostage for an additional two hours by two of the attackers.
• Police Intervention: Police reinforcements arrived, and special forces launched an assault at midnight 20 Paris time. This operation successfully rescued the remaining hostages and resulted in the deaths of the two attackers.
• Emotional Scenes: The commemoration at the Bataclan involves police officers, emergency service members, survivors, and family members of victims, with highly emotional scenes as they remember the horrific events.

Place de la République: A Symbol of Solidarity

The Place de la République has become a significant symbolic location for French people during times of crisis, mirroring the outpouring of solidarity seen 10 years ago. This area, located in the eastern part of Paris where many of the attacks occurred in neighborhoods known for cafes and bars frequented by young people, was quickly filled with people offering tributes.

• Tributes: These included flowers, candles, messages, and photographs.
• Current Atmosphere: A decade later, the atmosphere at the Place de la République still reflects grief, mourning, and shock, but also a strong sense of resilience.
• Resilience: People have returned to the affected cafes and bars, and these venues have reopened. Paris is observing a somber day of mourning, but there is a palpable spirit of resilience, embodying the city's motto, "Fluctuat nec mergitur" (Tossed by the waves but does not sink).

Conclusion

The commemoration of the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks highlights the profound tragedy that befell France and the enduring spirit of resilience and solidarity demonstrated by its people. The ceremonies and tributes across the city serve as a solemn remembrance of the victims and a testament to the city's ability to withstand and recover from such devastating events.