San Diegans Stand With Paris

A memorial in Balboa Park honored those lost in last week's attacks

A large group of French people and their supporters gathered in Balboa Park Monday to share grief, tears and a round of the France's national anthem, "La Marseillaise."

About 100 people watched as candles were lit and the French flag was raised above the House of France, a sign of solidarity with the city that suffered horrific terrorist attacks last week.

In a series of suicide bombings and shootings in Paris, terrorists linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) killed 129 people.

β€œThose people, they're fighting because they hate life, and we have to fight because we love it,” said one speaker, a French native, at the San Diego gathering.

Many in the group expressed their love for France and their great sadness upon hearing what happened.

β€œI was in Paris a couple of weeks ago, and I spent eight days walking through the areas where those horrible events took place, so I was deeply touched and affected by this,” said another man, who is a dual U.S.-French citizen.

Despite the sorrow, those from France said they were grateful for the show of support from across the world.

"I have received a lot of people calling me -- I'm talking about American people who have been always the great friends of French people -- and I was really touched by that very much,” said Andre Bordes, the French honorary consul in San Diego.

He said the large turnout in Balboa Park also touched him and his countrymen.

Americans present at the event echoed the call for solidarity.

β€œJust know that we are with you. We love you, France. We have been allies for a long long time, you and the U.S.," one American said. "Whatever it is that we can do to help, we're here to help you guys out."

As for how the government should react, there is mixed reaction. Some said the answer is to secure France’s borders. Others want a stronger show of military force against ISIS targets in the Middle East.
 

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