France remembers shooting victims

Thousands expected at first military memorial service for civilian ‘victims of war’ killed in November 13 attacks

FRANCE will pay tribute to the 130 victims of the attacks of November 13 in a military service, the first time civilians have been treated in this way.

The 130 people who were shot dead as they enjoyed concerts and restaurants in the capital will be treated as victims of war by the country.

A total of 2,000 people, among them families of the victim, people who were injured, members of the emergency services and politicians are expected at today’s ceremony which begins at 10.30am at Les Invalides in Paris.

President François Hollande will be speaking at the event from 11am and the names of the 130 victims will be read out during the hour-long ceremony.

Front National leader Marine Le Pen and party vice president Florian Philippot will be present, having previously avoided taking part in the acts of remembrance following the Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Casher attacks in January.

After a call for people to display the French flag in windows and balconies today in memory of the victims, many stockists have sold out.

Photo:wiki/Victor Grigas