I really wanted to mention this today and give my thoughts. I know it is very sensitive subject, but I want to pay my respect and say the things I want to say.
I can't believe three years have already passed since the Boston Marathon Tragedy in 2013. Three years ago two subhuman cowards took the lives of 3 innocent people and injured over 250 more at the Boston Marathon and then killed another before they were stopped.
I remember exactly where I was when I found out. I was in the spring semester of my junior year at URI. Monday's that spring from 2:00 to 2:50 I had my recitation for poly-sci 116. I couldn't stand PSC and hated that recitation. I was pissed I wasn't going to be able to watch the Red Sox Patriots Day game. They were off to a good start and people were excited after they finished 2012 in last place. The game ended right around when class began and I remember I got a notification on my phone that they they had beaten the Rays 3-2. I was happy for a little because the Sox won again. I even remember tweeting it during class.
However that happiness from the win wouldn't last long. I got out of class somewhere around 2:50 and walked down to the library to wait for the RIPTA to bring me to the parking lot so I could drive home. That's where I found out what happened. At first I got a notification that just said an explosion went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Soon after more details followed. Even though it was in Boston these were scary times around RI too. Just days before the bombing there was panic at URI when there was a bomb threat and suspected shooter on campus. I was walking to a meeting I had with a teacher in Chafee hall where everybody came running out in disarray when there was a suspected shooter in our of the rooms. Sandy Hook had just happened in CT a few months before. People were on edge. I was very scared. It was a terrifying day on campus. Luckily nothing serious happened but nobody knew that at the time.
As the day went on more news came out, we learned that it was a planned terrorist attack and a manhunt ensued. It was a crazy time. It was a horrible tragedy that ruined what was supposed to be a special day in the city. As the days went on, stories came out about all of the heroic acts to help people that happened after the explosion. Former Patriot offensive linemen Joe Andruzzi helped carry injured people.
Carlos Arredondo, the man in the cowboy hat. Look up his entire story when you get a chance.
In this time of tragedy countless other nameless people stepped up and helped.
In the upcoming days the whole "Boston Strong" movement took place and it was a beautiful thing. Its unfortunate that it had to happen through tragedy, but the city and entire region stuck together and used this a time get stronger, help each other and rebuild. Boston was not going to let two subhuman pieces of garbage ruin our lives, our freedom, our city.
It was an extremely emotional time from the signing of the National Anthem at the Garden two days later.
If that doesn't bring a tear to your eye you don't have a soul. Nearly 20,000 people joining together to sing the National Anthem.
David Ortiz addressing the Fenway faithful in the Red Sox first home game after the bombing. The day after the entire city was in lock down. This is our fucking city.
It was a very special day at Fenway Park. Some would even call it magical, Daniel Nava's home run gave the Red Sox the lead and eventually the win, but it was Don Orsillo's call that truly made the moment. So much emotion. To those who think sports don't matter, you're wrong because the Red Sox and Bruins helped heal the city.
The Red Sox rode the Boston Strong wave all the way to a World Series Championship. That team was special and was huge fan the city and all of New England. They hung the 617 jersey in the dugout every game. The team wasn't the best in baseball that year but they were playing for something bigger than themselves. People felt more connected, and it was mainly in part to Boston Strong. At the Red Sox World Series Parade when the trophy and jersey was set on the finish line it was a very special moment.
Now three years later, in 2016 we remember April 15th as One Boston Day. Mayor Marty Walsh made it an official day where Boston honors the anniversary of the 2013 Marathon bombings by encouraging “random acts of kindness and spreading goodwill.” I think it's a great idea and a beautiful tribute to all of those people at the Marathon who in a time of panic stopped and helped complete strangers just because it's the right thing to do.
It was a senseless tragedy, that nobody should ever forget. Today just take a second the think about all those people and their families who were impacted by the bombing. Fortunately the city was able to find strength from the this tragedy. The city used it as a tool to teach and help people, but it still never had to happen. It's sad that we as human's tend to only unite like this after tragedy. So use One Boston Day as a reason to do something good, but don't stop after today.
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