Local vigil held to honor terror victims

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Hundreds gathered at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston Sunday for a vigil to remember the victims in the France attacks.

Under a foggy downtown Houston skyline candles flickered, flags waved and signs said it all. Artist Sebastian Boileau says, "People from all over are paying respects to those who were attacked."

Artists, families and leaders in Houston's French-American community may be 5,000 miles away but the three days of terror that killed 17 people and changed France hits really close to home. Rebecca Demotte says, "I'm an artist so it's important to be here today. They killed artists."

The demonstration downtown was just one around the world. The solidarity resembling the days after September 11. Here the French say Houstonians have provided light for them during this dark time.

Jean-Francois Bonnete with the French-American Chamber of Commerce says, "It's a very important sign for us to send a signal back to people in France to say we are with you, thinking of you, will always stick together."

A moment of silence was followed by absolute resolve for the next generation.

Rebecca Demotte adds, "It's very important to show that I'm part of it."