Local Vigils Held For Victims Of Paris Attacks
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- At Miami International Airport, passengers arrived home from Paris after Friday's multiple terrorist attacks in the city of lights.
French native Sarah Ramirez arrived with her three children and believes France must be less welcoming.
"We used to welcome immigration gladly but then that's really tricky now," said Ramirez.
Her husband worried what might come next.
"It's amazing what's happening, it's so sad. I'm glad they are back but it's a little bit scary about what's going to happen in the near future," said Hernando Ramirez.
Others mentioned the Paris airports were like an armed camp.
"The airport is full of military soldiers, which I've never seen before," said one passenger.
In South Miami, Veronique Youbi was busy in her French restaurant, Cafe BonJour, after a sleepless night not knowing if her relatives back home were all right.
"We were very anxious. First we want to know if our family members were safe. So that was our first concern," said Youbi.
Upon learning her family was unharmed, she could only wonder, "Who can think of acting like this?"
Americans returning from Paris were resigned and disheartened.
"It's 9/11 all over again. Just a very daunting feeling," said Larry Feldstein.
Sabrina Jacquot rode by the Paris soccer stadium and a huge fire, not knowing it was the work of a terrorist bomb.
"I saw policemen and ambulances everywhere," said Jacquot.
Her fiancee, Philippe Larmier, said enough is enough.
"It's not time for understanding anymore. The understanding has been done and it's time to fight back," Larmier added.
On Miami Beach, a moment of silence between French citizens and South Floridians could only be interrupted by the crowd joining in to sing the French national anthem.
An intermediary for the French consulate told CBS4's Gary Nelson that the French government and people have vowed to act without mercy in their victory over terrorist groups.