Eiffel Tower Day: A Time to Reflect on Last Year’s Tragedy

Eiffel Tower Day: A Time to Reflect on Last Year’s Tragedy

Christian Segers, Opinion Editor

This year’s Eiffel Tower Day serves as a reminder of the Paris bombings of 2015.

When Paris fell victim to brutal terrorist attacks last year, the world watched in horror; however, the city and the nation itself look to move past the brutality of Nov. 12, 2015, through the celebration of Eiffel Tower Day, which highlights one of the world’s most recognizable pieces of infrastructure.

On March 31, France will pay homage to The Eiffel Tower, which was constructed in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Originally, over 100 designs were turned down before the committee settled upon the brainchild of engineer Gustave Eiffel.

Eiffel had recently contributed his designs to the framework construction of America’s Statue of Liberty and was considered a master of his craft. Eiffel’s idea for the Paris monument, centered around a wrought iron design whose peak towered 984 feet above Paris’ surface. The construction would be sprawled out with four supports holding the tower upright, while the remaining portion formed what has been effectively viewed as an iron pyramid. Since its completion, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most iconic man-made structures in the world and has remained an extremely popular tourist destination.

The French holiday celebrating this architectural work has been observed for years, uniting fellow countrymen and encouraging the remembrance of the French Revolution. Unfortunately, this year’s holiday arrives in the wake of devastating national disaster, due to the terrorist attacks in the nation’s capitol late last year.

France, which receives more tourism annually than any other country in the world, took an economical hit with the November bombings. Officials say that nearly 270 million euro ($305.6 million US) has been lost due to widespread panic surrounding the bombings.

Additionally, airlines that typically book numerous flights to the city have had to cut back on flight offerings. Japan suspended travel to the city entirely earlier this year due to a lack of public interest in Paris, post-bombings.

Allen McWhite, director of cross-cultural engagement and global leadership at North Greenville University, said, “The ultimate answer to this is to get the gospel to people. That’s the only thing that is going to change hearts. We can do all the counter terrorism stuff…and all of those things may have their place in protecting us physically, but none of those things are going to change a single heart, which is the need there.”

This year for Eiffel Tower Day, perhaps the best thing we can do for France is to pray that healing will be brought to the nation. In the wake of such tragedy, the Lord remains faithful.