SEATTLE — Seattle sent its thoughts and prayers to the people of Paris on Saturday by hoisting a giant French flag from the city’s iconic Space Needle.
“The attacks in Paris on Friday night were so tragic that flying the French flag was the least we could do to show our support,” Space Needle spokesman Dave Mandapat told The Associated Press.
Officials had a special flag made on Saturday morning so it could be raised by the afternoon, Mandapat said. It measured 25 feet by 35 feet.
Attackers killed 129 people and wounded about 350 in separate terrorist attacks in France’s capital.
People living in Seattle gathered at La Parisienne Bakery in the Belltown neighborhood to show their support for the people of Paris.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray joined the gathering, which included a moment of silence and a singing of “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem. Murray’s spokesman said they wanted to honor those affected by the horrific attacks.
The Great Ferris Wheel that sits on Seattle’s waterfront also changed its colors in honor of Paris. On Saturday, it spun red in center, white in the middle and blue on the outside edge.
Seattle’s City Hall was lit in the French blue, white and red colors, and flags outside the building were flown at half-mast.
Washington businesses also added their support. Seattle-based Starbucks sent out a message that it “stands in solidarity with Paris and Parisians” and Bellevue-based T-Mobile sent a news release saying “to help our customers connect with loved ones in the wake of the terrible terrorist attacks in Paris, T-Mobile is making it free to call and text to and from the United States, including Puerto Rico and France this weekend.”
Seattle’s CenturyLink Field was lit with the colors of France on Friday night into Saturday. A special ceremony is planned on the field when the Seahawks play Sunday night.
The National Football League issued a statement saying that all NFL clubs will use metal detectors and extra layers of security for games, including the Seahawk game against the Cardinals.
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