Boston has proved its resilience. In the wake of one of the most tumultuous days for every resident in and around the city, people have come together, selflessly opening their homes to marathoners and their families. With a heavy heart, The Daily Free Press salutes those who completed the marathon, those who helped right after the devastation and everyone who is still helping those affected.
Next year Boston is not going to run away scared. Boston will come together again, possibly in greater number, to cheer those brave enough to run and remember those hurt. The marathon was already a symbol of perseverance, and now it is even more so.
Bostonians have united. Hell, even New York City is a fan of this city now. People in Kabul are posting photos online, spreading love after the tragedy. There is an international outpouring of support, especially because so many people, from so many countries, were injured in the explosion. As much as the catastrophe scars the city, each kind act, each bit of love and support stitches the wounds, making sure Boston heals.
And the people who ran to help immediately have dwarfed the malevolence of yesterday. First responders ran into the thick, grey smoke to save as many people as they could. And they did. People survived because of the paramedics, the police officers and civilians on the street, 176 of them. If anything ever happens like this again, and hopefully nothing does, people will still rush each other to safety and risk their lives.
Coming back next year will show an inherently good side of people that has emerged in the past couple of days. But will the Marathon be the same forever? Will it be a celebration of those strong enough to finish or those strong enough to come and support? Will people ask their families to avoid the finish line? It is hard to fathom, especially because we are still reliving Monday and healing.
But Boston has proved to be strong. With the world behind us, we will overcome all that has happened. We will find out those responsible and proudly run 26.2 miles to remember April 15, 2013.
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