Tragedy in Nice

My heart goes out to the families who were innocent victims of unspeakable cruelty on Bastille Day in Nice, France. We must pray for peace and for God to heal this violent society we live in.

As I lie awake last night, not sleeping, I thought back on time my daughter Courtney and I were on Boulevard des Anglais in Nice 10 years ago when families were crowding the same space in a similar way. It was the finals of the World Cup between France and Italy. Here are a few photos I took that evening.

A reflective moment on the water’s edge in Nice, France. July 18, 2006.

This image of the man resting by his flag on the beach in Nice still resonates with me.

Father and son support France in World Cup Final, Nice, 2006

Crowd in Nice for World Cup Final, 2006, near Boulevard des Anglais as seen from Meridian Hotel.

World Cup Final was a family affair for the people of Nice, 2006. Game was televised on a big screen.

Evening ends peacefully in Nice, July 2006, as fans crowding Boulevard des Anglais watch World Cup Final on big screen.