A day of national celebration turned into local mourning. Five years after the 2016 attack, Christian Estrosi and Jean Castex pay a vibrant tribute to the victims for the fifth time.
Villa Masséna served as a place of remembrance for the 280 families of the victims of this macabre act. Through this commemoration, the Mayor aims to “find the most just answers” to help the wounded in their healing process. The texts recited that day are intended to be a palliative for the physical and/or psychological damage caused by this mournful event.
Verses soothe manners
The ceremony begins with the reading of three powerful texts from association presidents (Stéphane Erbs – Promenade des Anges, Anne Murris – Memorial of Angels, and Hager Ben Aouissi – Life for Nice). These verses aim to uplift the spirits of the frightened families. “We must be better than the executioners!” and show “a lot of courage, great determination, and a superhuman mental strength (…) to overcome our difficulties and pain, to return to life and reclaim our place in society,” stated Hager Ben Aouissi. A strong message, amplified by the performance of musical sounds, notably “Fuir le bonheur,” the national hymn for the victims of terrorism, and La Marseillaise performed by the Nice opera choir.
July 14, 2016 – July 14, 2021
Rest in peace. It is with heavy hearts that the ministerial procession, the Mayor, and the relatives laid white roses in memory of the victims. Eighty-six white doves were released in honor of the 86 deceased. A bleak day for this mother oppressed by mournful memories. “I lost my daughter. I had and still have difficulty forgetting. She was only 24 years old.” A suffering that does not leave Jean Castex untouched. For him, this attack did not only affect Nice but “the entire France as a whole.” He made a point of embracing some of the people from Nice to comfort them, engage with them, and take some selfies as a way to unwind. The ceremony concluded on this positive note.
