Paris attacks: Wheelchair-bound survivors honour victims at memorial
More than 1,000 attended the remembrance service at Les Invalides military museum to honour those killed or wounded
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Your support makes all the difference.The wheelchair-bound survivors of the Paris terror attacks have attended a solemn memorial service as tricolore flags fluttered from windows across the French capital.
They joined the French President, dignitaries and families of the 130 victims as their names were read out one by one.
Relatives of Nick Alexander, the British man killed as he sold merchandise at the Bataclan concert hall, joined today’s commemorations.
In a statement, his parents said they were unable to express the sadness they felt at losing the son “we loved so much, that made us laugh, that we loved being with, and always held us close wherever he was”.
“The outpouring of love from around the world has been a great comfort to us and makes us even more proud to have had Nick as our son. We will love and miss him forever,” they said.
“We extend our love and condolences to all those who have been affected by this indiscriminate act, and are proud to stand with them in unity at the memorial service on Friday. Our lives are intrinsically linked forever.”
More than 1,000 people gathered at Paris’ military museum, Les Invalides, watching photos of the victims flash up.
They were from at least 20 countries, aged between 17 and 68, and had been enjoying dinner, drinks and music at one of France’s most popular music venues and Paris’ iconic bistros and bars.
The crowd obsered a minute’s silence before singing as the Republican Guard played the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”, which has been heard across the world as a mark of solidarity since 13 November.
In his 20-minute address to the crowd Francois Hollande vowed once more “destroy” Isis, saying they would not succeed in shattering France’s spirit an joie de vivre.
"I solemnly promise you all that France will do everything to defeat the army of fanatics who have committed these crimes, that she will act tirelessly to protect her children,” he added.
"The terrorists want to divide us, to oppose us, to pit us against one another. They will fail. They have the cult of death, we have the love of life."
"We will defeat this enemy. Together. With our forces, those of the republic. With our arms, those of democracy. With our institutions, with international law."
Additional reporting by Reuters
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