A year ago this week marks the anniversary of the tragic Boston Marathon bombing. Three people were killed and hundreds were injured in the attack, but out of all the sorrow and dismay came a community that was bleeding red, white and blue, standing up for their country in the midst of darkness. The city of Boston pulled together and rose as one united group.
It is crazy to think it has already been a year since that heart-wrenching day, and remembering those horrific images embedded in my memory. On Tuesday April 15, Boston paid tribute to the anniversary of the bombings with a moment of silence at the site. This attack brought fear to the city of Boston, but also helped a community grow stronger and a stand with an “I won’t budge” type of mentality.
In attacks like these, we find out who the real-life heroes are. I believe, on the day of the attack we found Americans who weren’t afraid to get dirty and dive into the danger zone to help rescue those who were affected by the explosions. I think in moments like these, we find that, even though times are tough, we still see our country display heart, compassion and true love for one another.
In times of need, we stand together as one nation and pour out empathy for the country we love so much.
I had never heard our nation’s anthem sung so passionately than when the Boston Bruins had their first game back after the bombings. Not only was every person in the arena singing their hearts out, but all eyes were locked on the flag.
First baseman “Big Papi” David Ortiz gave a heartfelt message at the beginning of the Boston Red Sox game that lit the crowd on fire. His message basically summed up the saying “Boston Strong,” which took off into a stratosphere of its own and became the motto for how the city of Boston would respond to this dreadful event.
This will not stop our nation from running. No, it only makes us want to run harder and further to victory, not defeat. We take punches time and time again, but Lady Liberty always finds a way to get back up and fight another day.
I believe as Americans we grew stronger from what happened that day in Boston. It showed me there is still hope for a better tomorrow, that people still have pride in this “land of the free, home of the brave.” We gather, united as one, to take a stand against those who try to bring us down or tear us apart. We are strong, resilient, powerful, passionate and God-fearing. We are the United States of America.
