Paris Remembers: 10th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks

11 November 2025 by William OSuch    513    1
Paris Remembers: 10th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks

When I returned to Paris for my autumn trip, the city’s atmosphere prompted a sudden and somber realization: it would be soon the 10-year anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks of November 13th.

I was here then. Walking past the improvised memorials in the days following the trauma was heartbreaking. The spontaneous outpouring of grief and remembrance for the loved ones who passed away was visible everywhere. It was a raw display of solidarity, including messages left by Americans and people from around the world.

The memorials were deeply personal: flowers placed everywhere, even tucked carefully into the bullet holes of the café windows. As I look through my original photos for this article today, I can still feel the sting of tears in my eyes, thinking of the profound sorrow inflicted upon this wonderful city by those terrifying acts.

I am certain this year will be an especially emotional day for everyone who loves Paris. I am sharing a few photos of the memorials I took back in 2015, and you can see the full album here.

Paris se souvient 2. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 3. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 4. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 5. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 6. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 7. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 8. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 9. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 10. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 11. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 12. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 13. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris se souvient 14. Photo: Bill O’Such

Lead photo credit : Paris se souvient 1. Photo: Bill O'Such

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By William OSuch

William was introduced to silver halide photography by his father, Chester J. O’Such, via the family’s Ansco reflex camera and home darkroom. After college, William worked as a photographic engineer at Eastman Kodak, where he began to learn the art of photography. With his first SLR, a Canon AE-1, he photographed his inaugural voyage to Paris in 1982. This early spark turned into full passion when William became a Kodak expatriate in Paris from 1995-99. Before returning to the USA, William and his future wife Ineke bought an apartment in the Marais district. Inspired by Bresson, William continues to visit Paris at least twice a year to wander the streets, camera in hand, looking for the next vignette. His photos are available for sale by visiting www.osuchphotography.com

Comments

  • Martha Sessums
    2025-11-11 08:38:21
    Martha Sessums
    Thank you for the remembrances, William. I was also in Paris on that horrible day and remember the aftermath of photos and flowers.

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