The Night The Lights Went Out in Paris

The City of Light had not seen such darkness since World War II.  Islamic terrorists slaughtered 129 innocent people in a series of coordinated strikes on November 13 in Paris.  The unspeakable horror of that night will never be erased, even in this city which celebrates life on a grand scale.

Calling the attacks an "act of war,"  French President Francois Hollande acted decisively, declaring a curfew and deploying thousands of military troops to secure the city.  That shining symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, was bathed in darkness instead of light.  City life came to a sudden halt.

The tree-lined streets of Paris were eerily silent with no pedestrians in sight.  Sounds of joy that normally echo from crowded cafes and bars were muted. The tense hush reminded many of France's darkest days during the German occupation of France in World War II.

As dawn shook residents from their slumber, small groups of Parisians began venturing into the empty streets.  They snapped photos with their smart phones and posted pictures online as a rebuke to terrorists who hoped to shut down the city.  Resilient Parisians refused to be cowered by murderers.

Their ancestors stood up to the Germans during the occupation.  These spunky Parisians would again show the world they would resist those who wanted to destroy their city and their way of life.

Soon what began as a trickle, turned into a wave of humanity.  Parisians streamed into the streets of their city, hastily erecting memorials to the victims.  They clutched friends and strangers alike as they mourned the loss of so many.  They searched for answers and found none that made sense.

The murderous rampage struck at the heart of the spirit of Paris.  The worst attack was carried out by jihadists at the Bataclan Concert Hall, a legendary venue for rock music. Terrorists sprayed the theater with automatic weapons, snuffing out the lives of 89 innocent victims and wounding 99 more.

The hall is one of many cozy performance venues that dot the city.  It is a temple of Paris nightlife in a city that is fond of live performances, concerts, nightclubs and unpretentious cafes. They even delight in music played by amateur artists who ply their craft in the cavernous subway underground.

The Islamic terrorists' thirst for blood was not satiated by the massacre at the concert hall.  They carried out lightning strikes at a restaurant and two cafe bars, firing indiscriminately at patrons. Small cafes and bars hold an almost reverential place in Paris because they are safe refuges from tourists.

More than 100 rounds were fired inside one restaurant, La Petit Cambodge.  As people scattered for cover, the terrorists kept emptying their assault weapons.  The barrage of gunfire left 15 dead and 15 with life-threatening injuries.  A leisurely dining experience had turned into a crimson nightmare.

The attacks were centered in and around the Eleventh Arrondissement, an administrative district in Paris.  It is home to a mix of young suburban Parisians, expats and newly-arrived immigrants. There is a blossoming nightlife, featuring little bars, restaurants and quirky boutiques.

On the northern fringe of Paris, bomb explosions also shuddered the Stade de France stadium. The field was the scene of France's World Cup soccer triumph in 1998 and has hosted raucous concerts.  A suicide bomber and a passerby were killed by the blasts outside the packed stadium.

As security whisked President Hollande from the stadium, most in the crowd reacted with stunned silence to the explosions.  There was no panic, despite the frantic call to evacuate.  The resolute French filed out in an orderly fashion, although some stayed and milled around on the stadium floor.

As word of the killing spree spread, Parisians sought shelter in their apartments.  Many opened their doors to complete strangers reeling in shock.  Paris taxi drivers shuttled people to their destinations for free. Everyone pitched in and did what they could to relieve the human suffering.

This was Paris at its best.  This city that glitters often has shone the brightest in times of turmoil. Though tourists view Parisians as cold and aloof, they are passionate about their city, their culture and their collective resilience in the face of evil.  No city reflects its citizens like Paris.

The terrorists left a deadly trail of carnage.  But they never will kill the spirit of this city. Ingrained in every Parisian is the will to survive even in the worst of circumstances.  The city will never forget what happened November 13, however, it will emerge united and stronger.