I'm sure I am not the only one who has been watching the news reports on the Paris terrorist attacks with a mixture of sorrow, disgust and anger.

These bloody animals terrorise normal working class people who are just going about their daily routines earning a living or getting their shopping at a supermarket.

They are the epitome of evil. How dare they hold us to ransom and have the nerve to say its all in the name of Allah. It is most definitely not!

Islam is a peaceful religion and these bampots are not representative of followers of that faith. Who knows who they are or what is in their sick minds?

What is clear from the incredible turnouts at demonstrations across France and the outpouring of human solidarity in other countries and on social media sites is that people have had enough of this unjustified intimidation.

Blaming politicians and governments for injustice in Arab nations is acceptable and understandable but it is unforgivable to murder civilians and ordinary folk in one country in the name of other civilians who have been murdered in those nations. Where does that end?

Living with the threat of terror is common to us all and we have, since 9/11, got on with it.

However the stoic reaction of the French during and since the attacks has been inspiring. They are patriotic not only for their flag and country but for their beliefs and values.

After three days of terror attacks the display of defiance against terrorism and in support of the principle of free speech in the form of Sunday's rallies encouraged nearly four million people to turn out in human solidarity. They wanted to show their determination in the face of fear to defend the values of their French republic. Freedom of speech, secular values and tolerance.

Even although 46 world leaders marched arm in arm they seemed to be bit players in the march. It was the ordinary people of France who yet again have shown great 'resistance' standing up to these grotesque extremists.

Most of the news reports have been from Place de La Republique in Paris. For many years I night-stopped in a hotel right on that great square.

My British Airways colleagues will remember those days with great fondness. Over many years we spent at least one or two nights a week there. The square is surrounded with many cafés and restaurants and I even recall some wee shoe shops that I was never out of.

On the walls of the buildings around the square are plaques dedicated to members of the French Resistance who courageously sacrificed their lives in the fight against the Nazis who were also sworn enemies of free speech, tolerance of different races, religions and cultures and freedom of expression. I was thinking that perhaps their memory and pursuit of freedom has been honoured by the recent demonstrations of solidarity. I'd certainly like to think so.