"The heart of Cajun country; The happiest place to live; The town that stole my heart". These are just a few of the phrases you'll hear associated with the town of Lafayette, Louisiana. With roughly 120,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in Louisiana and by far the most fun. From its rich Cajun heritage and food to Downtown Alive! to Ragin' Cajun Athletics and the Icegators, Lafayette is one place where there is always something to do. However, when you visit, you'll learn that we're much more than that.
Lafayette is a family. It's a bond of these 120,000 coming together as one through anything and everything. People come through together through our heritage at our wide assortment of festivals. People use UL to come together through tailgating and supporting the Ragin' Cajuns. It's hard to find someone who is unhappy in the city of Lafayette. Everyone here is so friendly and is always willing to lend a helping hand. And whenever you need it, it's pretty easy to find someone that can help you through a tough time.
Like the one this city experienced on July 23, 2015.
It was just a typical Thursday night in July. Summer school is finishing up and the fall semester was fast approaching. People went to the movies to enjoy a relaxing evening, when everything flipped 360.
John Houser opened fire in the 7 PM showing of the hit movie Trainwreck, killing 2 and injuring 9 others before taking his own life. That day emotionally shook not only this community or this state, but this country. Celebrities and even the actors of the movie showed their support through tweets, donating profits from their respective success, and holding benefit concerts, among other things. As we always do, Lafayette came together as one.
Now, with the Grand 16 reopening next week, we remember the lives of Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson, and we pray for the families of both these girls and the ones injured. We may move on from this tragedy, but it is something that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Terror struck fear into our people, but it did not kill us. It made us stronger. Just like we said we would do, we overcame it. As a family. As one Cajun community. And I am proud to call this city home. No matter where I go in life, my heart will be in Lafayette, Louisiana. We are Lafayette Strong.
