A million people were expected to take part in a massive Unity Rally in Paris to honor the people killed during three days of deadly terrorist attacks in France.  That turned out to be low expectations as more than 1.5 million turned out in the French capital, and another 1.5 million were out in other cities.  French news media later estimated that three million marched in Paris.

The size of these crowds are rivaled only by those who celebrated the liberation of Paris from the Nazis in World War II.

“Paris is today the capital of the world.  Our entire country will rise up and show its best side,” French President Francois Hollande said.

Hollande and leaders from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Britain as well as Israel and the Palestinian territories moved off from the central Place de la Republique.  Francois Hollande, Angela Merkel, and David Cameron were at the front, separating Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.  Senate President Stephen Parry represented Australia, and US Ambassador to France Jane Hartly carried the well wishes of the American people.

They marched down the Boulevard Voltaire – named for the pen name of 18th Century French Enlightenment writer Francois-Marie Arouet whose groundbreaking views on free speech were later distilled in the famous pledge, “I do not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death to defend your right to say it” – and through the 11th arrondissement, near the offices of Charlie Hebdo.

Most walked in a respectful silence, while others in small groups sang the "La Marseillaise" national anthem.  They were all demonstrating their resolve after the slaughter at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in which twelve people were killed, and subsequent attacks on a policewoman and a kosher food store. 

“We’re not going to let a little gang of hoodlums run our lives,” said 75-year old Fanny Appelbaum, who lost two sisters and a brother in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz‎.  “Today, we are all one.”

34-year old Zakaria Moumni agreed.  “I am here to show the terrorists they have not won,” he said, draped in a French flag.  “It is bringing people together of all religions.”