Two years ago today two bombs exploded near the finish line at the annual Boston Marathon. Horrifying photos immediately began circulating in the aftermath of the devastation, an act of terrorism which left three young people dead.* Those of us not present that day wondered how, in both our rage and anguish, such wanton violence could have happened at such a peaceful and family-friendly event.
Fast forward two years and one of the perpetrators will never harm anyone again and his brother faces the death penalty. But today should not be about the terrorists. It should be about those who have survived and who have shown remarkable courage after living through such a traumatic and life-changing experience. It should be about those who were exhausted after running 26.2 miles but ran to the nearest hospital to donate blood anyway. It should be about those who opened their homes and their lives to shaken spectators and runners. And above all, it should be about honoring the victims and remembering their families.
From the governor of Massachusetts:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, who seek to make sense of that awful day two years ago. #OneBostonDay
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) April 15, 2015
Those most affected by the events of 2 years ago have shown us all the way back - with their courage, grace & determination. #OneBostonDay
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) April 15, 2015They honor the past, remember & treasure loved ones lost & injured, & look forward to a better future. We strive for the same. #OneBostonDay
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) April 15, 2015From the mayor of Boston:
We appreciate the strong support for #OneBostonDay - together, we are a stronger City. pic.twitter.com/9hE1lvFrqQ
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 15, 2015Please join us in a moment of silence today. pic.twitter.com/pujsnOeDdk
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) April 15, 2015From Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA):
In the face of this horrific terrorist attack, Boston came together to lift each other up & help us heal. #OneBostonDay
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 15, 2015Today, we honor the victims & survivors of the Marathon bombing with the 1st annual #OneBostonDay – giving back through acts of service.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 15, 2015Learn more about #OneBostonDay here.
*UPDATE: Officer Sean Collier was also shot and killed by the terrorists as they were trying to flee Boston.