Recent events in Paris bring me back to September 11, 2001 and its aftermath.
For several years, beginning in the late 1990's, we visited Paris with friends for a long weekend in December to celebrate Flo and our friend’s birthdays. In those early years, I found Parisians to be less-than-welcoming to Americans. The cause -- whether it was the language barrier or that they didn't care for tourists -- was unclear; however, it always seemed best not to be easily identified as American.
I had a scarf with the colors and motif of Old Glory. Although I always took scarves to Paris, I usually left this one home. Until 9/11.
When I packed for our trip to Paris in December 2001, a few months after the attacks, I packed my Old Glory scarf. I wasn't sure whether I'd actually wear it and, if I did, what the reaction might be. But I was through trying to hide that I was an American in Paris.
I wore the scarf in Paris and, on several occasions, it was the catalyst for discussion with Parisians. Especially when they learned that we were from New York and were witnesses to 9/11. There was support, affinity and any dislike of Americans disappeared.
We haven't been back to Paris in years, yet the streets seen on the news reports are familiar.
We have something in common with Parisians now. I'll look for that scarf.