Florida

Rally for France Held at Bayfront Park

Miamians and members of the French-American Chamber of Commerce held a rally Thursday to show solidarity in the wake of the Paris terror attack.

"When you see what is going on today, you feel like the unity of this group far away is important, you don't feel that lonely or that far away," said Sabrina Carrivain.

The group rallied to defend freedom of expression and freedom of the press and not just for France, but the entire world. That’s what the supporters at the rally said was under attack Wednesday in the Paris massacre.

“It should be a basic right for everybody, not just for journalists,” said supporter Guillaume D’Ersu. “It’s important to defend free speech.”

"This rally, the result of the spontaneous reaction of many citizens, will be dignified so that the French and all the friends of France can show their solidarity with the victims, their families and the French people in general," a release from Florida's French-American Chamber of Commerce said. "The French associations of Miami and Florida have decided to unite to reflect that national unity should prevail in such circumstances."

The phrase, “Je Suis Charlie” or, “I am Charlie” has grown worldwide to represent the cause. Supporters said everyone is a victim of this fight and will continue to rally to honor their lives.

“Can we collectively come together and be part of a consciousness, open-mindedness, and understand we have so much more in common than we have apart. Liberte, egalite, fraternite,” said Lela Lombardo.

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