Stephen Colbert was among the first late-night programs to express his emotions over the Friday Paris attacks, tagging a brief announcement (sans audience) at the close of his Friday Late Show. The Monday outing went far more in depth however, staging a heartfelt tribute as Colbert urged viewers to show support in whatever way possible, either french fries or Ratatouille.

In addition to Jon Batiste and Stay Human’s performance of the French national anthem, Colbert jokingly rattled off France’s many contributions to the United States, esteeming that any and all displays of connection and sympathy for Paris prove valid. So read Colbert’s monologue:

New York is a city that sadly knows too well the horror the French experienced on Friday. And we also know there are no words that can reach the depths of their grief and their shock. But we stand with the people of France as a friend and an ally, and offer the hope that there is a way through the unspeakable tragedy.

And also, let’s take the opportunity to thank France for what they’ve done for us. They’ve given the United States so much over the years: Aid to General Washington in our fight for independence. Key intelligence on how to put potatoes in boiling oil. My favorite way of kissing. Half the continent at a bargain price — no takebacks, guys […]

In fact, all over the world this weekend, there were displays of support of the French. On the Sydney Opera House. On Rio’s ‘Christ the Redeemer.’ And the Paris Las Vegas Hotel dimmed their Eiffel Tower lights. Now, some might say these gestures don’t actually do anything, but I disagree. People are trying to find any way they can to show support, however small, to the people of France.

For instance, Twitter was deluged with statements of support from the hashtag ‘Pray for Paris,’ to messages like, ‘In support of what is happening in Paris - my wife and I are watching #Ratatouille.’ Is that wrong? Is ‘Ratatouille’ a French film? No. Is it a valid expression? Absolutely. Because watching a cartoon Parisian rat make soup is certainly as valid as anything I will say tonight, I promise you that.

So, to everybody, if it makes you feel a connection to the people of Paris, go drink a bottle of Bordeaux. Eat a croissant at Au Bon Pain. Slap on a beret and smoke a cigarette like this. Go eat some French fries, which I am now calling Freedom fries in honor of the French people. Anything that is an attempt at human connection in the world right now is positive. Did you get up this morning and not try to kill someone? Then you’re on the right side.

You can watch the full tribute above, along with a variety of other displays of sympathy, including Trevor Noah, John Oliver and more.

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