FORT SMITH (KFSM)-- A candlelight vigil was held Saturday night (Nov. 14) to honor those who were killed in the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Dozens of people showed up to sing, pray and show their support.
Mayra Esquivel, a senior at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, said she started organizing the event as soon as she heard about the attacks.
“You know, it gives me hope in humanity, even though a lot of people couldn’t make it today, I know it was last minute, so that’s a huge factor, but the people that could come today, it’s really touching,” Esquivel said.
She said even though the numbers were small, the impact was big.
“The number is whatever. If it’s just us, it counts because it’ll be heartfelt prayers and heartfelt support,” Esquivel said.
They didn’t just focus on Paris. They prayed for all of the places that were affected by terrorism this year.
Patricia Lopez was at the vigil and said praying was the best thing she knew to do in a tragic situation.
“I think prayer helps people in little ways to feel comfortable, to get through the hard stuff, the suffering and the pain,” Lopez said.
Lopez said she was surprised to see so many people praying for strangers.
‘I think it’s amazing that people still care about people that they never met before, that are in different countries, and that we’re praying for them,” Lopez said.
Esquivel said she feels proud being a part of a community that can come together, and she hopes everyone at the vigil will continue to try to make a difference.
“The candles are just physical,” Esquivel said. “They’re a symbolism, but I think we all carry that same light inside of us, and we can go out and spread the love.”
The songs and prayers were in Spanish and English, so everyone could participate.