Vigil Held At Highland Park In Honor Of Paris Attacks
PITTSBURGH (KDKA)- Highland Park was the sight for a gathering of Pittsburgh's small-French community. They came for a show of freedom and solidarity against terrorist attacks that killed 129 people and injured 350 in Paris.
"It is terrible. It's a big show for all of us. We did not expect it," said Jean Pierre Collet, former-President Honorary Counsul of France.
Myriam Gau, of the French Cultural Center, was born in Paris and still has family living there. She didn't find out they were safe until Saturday.
"They were shocked and they were traumatized that it happened and on this large scale."
Some people brought signs to show support. One that said, "I Am Paris," was carried by a Muslim angered by the attacks.
"It's not about Islam. It's about the evil act and the wrong act, so I'm here to support French people," said Latifa, a French supporter.
After a moment of silence, 129 balloons were released into the air to honor the 129 people killed.
"The balloons are showing that hope no fear and as we say in France, 'nenpapier,'" said Benedict Barlat, of the French Cultural Center.
Meanwhile, people are being asked to show their support for Paris on Facebook and Twitter.
"We just want to say Pittsburgh loves Paris and that's why we're doing this," said Gau.
Collet is hoping countries will unite as he wonders where the terrorists will strike next.
"My concern is not only for France. The Russians were already hit. Now, it's the French. Who will be next? The English? The Americans? I don't know."
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