The last week was like no other week in the Greater Boston region. Two cowardly terrorists desecrated our beloved Patriot’s Day and the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard, and Officer Sean Collier are names we will never forget, along with the scores of victims maimed and injured by the senseless bombings. May they rest in peace, and heal from their injuries.
I grew up in the Boston area, and when I went to undergrad at Miami of Ohio, I was easily recognized by my game-official wool Red Sox cap. I came back to Boston for law school, and never left. The first thing I thought after the bombings was “these guys picked the wrong city to mess with.” And they did. What other city would shut down so they could catch the bad guys?
I have never been more proud to be a Bostonian than I was this past week. From the courageous acts of our first responders and law enforcement, to our caring doctors and nurses, to our politicians who actually showed true leadership, to everyday folks and the Teamsters guarding funerals against protesters, to the brave citizens of Watertown whose streets became a war zone. I am so proud of everyone.
For a city where road rage is a national pastime, this tragedy brought out the best of us and demonstrated to the world the indomitable human spirit of Boston. Remember, we invented the spirit of freedom here after another Boston Massacre failed to bring us to our knees.
Despite the colorful language, I think Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said it best the other night: “This is our *&$!$ city, and nobody going to dictate our freedom!”
Please consider donating (as I have) to the One Fund Boston (click here) — all money going to the victims and families of the Marathon bombings. You can order a cool “Boston Strong” t-shirt in royal blue/yellow Marathon colors by clicking here. All proceeds go to the One Fund Boston.
We are Boston Strong!
–Rich
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