AN AFTERNOON OF TERROR
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanSo many questions but yet there are no answers that can shed any light on the “whys” or turn the day from terror back to celebration.
Monday, April 15, 2013, began just like any other day but this was an even more special and celebratory day because it was the 118th anniversary of the world’s oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon. Runners come to Boston from all over the world to participate in the international event after months or even years of training. Some do it for the thrill, some do it for the competition of winning and others do it just for the fun of it and the sense of accomplishment.
It takes place on Patriots’ Day every year. While that is a significant date in itself, this year’s event will never be forgotten. With over 20,000 entrants, the streets were lined for miles with supporters, friends, families, fans and media as the runners began their competition with a fervor and eager fortitude. Spirits were high and laughter and cheers caught the chill in the air but after a few hours as runners began to cross the finish line and the arms of time ticked to 2:50 p.m., a huge blast and then within seconds another blast threw runners and rocked the sidewalks, shattered glass windows and wounded victims seemed to be all that could be seen amidst a smoke-filled Boylston Street near the corner of Copley Square in Boston. What stands out is the image of a row of international flags that marked the path to form a line. The laughter throughout the streets turned to tears, screams and grave expressions of terror.
Horrific thoughts filled the minds of those at the scene as some began running groped in fear and others became heroes as they tried to save and comfort and attend to those that were so badly wounded and dazed beyond belief at what had just taken place on our soil. It was reminiscent to a day that we long to forget but that forever changed the country that we live in today, 9/11.
How dare someone think that they can steal life from us so easily and turn happiness to sorrow within the blink of an eye. How cowardly to not come forward and take responsibility for their actions. To quote Mayor Thomas Menino, ” This tragedy is not going to stop Boston. We will not let terror take us over.” As law enforcement officials try to piece together small clues or the inkling of leads that may exist, it appears that the bombs were possibly placed in a pressure cooker hidden inside a backpack or black nylon bag that was found near a mailbox and is being viewed on video very closely. All are in agreement that these bombs were very powerful and orchestrated cleverly.
It seems almost incomprehensible that at least 183 people were hurt, so many critically injured with 13 confirmations of amputations and some victims had to undergo multiple surgeries that may not be their last. Two brothers just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and both lost a leg. Medical personnel were fighting to save lives as the patients just seemed to keep coming but as one doctor explained, “We are trained for this.” Emotional turmoil will not get the better of us.
As we try to grasp the enormity of the horrific situation and cope with the loss, it is with deep despondency that we have to say goodbye to three wonderful individuals. Although we may not know them personally, we feel close to them nonetheless. Krystle Marie Campbell was only 23 years old with a heart of gold and a personality to match. She accompanied a friend to watch the race as her friend’s boyfriend took part in the competition. She will always be remembered for her kindness, her love and her energy.
One of the youngest to die in this terrorist attack was little Martin Richard, a bubbly 8 year-old boy, already getting a reputation for spreading peace and wishing that there would be “no more hurting people.” He had big dreams and high hopes. It seems ironic how he lost his life. This family was not just devastated once but they were victimized three times. His 6 year-old sister lost her leg and his mother underwent surgery for a brain injury.
The third victim was identified this evening as a Chinese National grad student at Boston University but there has been no more information released.
It is a senseless act of crime and seems even more shameful as we begin to see the faces and hear the dreadful stories of those who have lived this nightmare and watch them as they speak of the horror of that moment. Reality becomes all too clear as we hear it in their voices.
These very streets are now being combed for clues and the scene is said to resemble a war zone. FBI officials are reaching out and seeking information from anyone that may have witnessed anything unusual just before or after the blasts and law officers are requesting video that may provide any kind of links. The once bustling center of Boston activity was quiet in solace last night and the mood of the city is still very somber.
The nation mourns in loss and emotions go out to all those that have been touched by this tragedy. President Obama issued a statement from the White House and plans to travel to Boston this week. The President calls it a heinous and cowardly act. He warns Americans to have patience as it will take time to find the perpetrator/s who carried out this terrorist attack but they will be found and will be brought to justice.
As President Obama stressed and as we all are familiar with, the American people refuse to be terrorized. We are a resilient nation that are selfless, compassionate and unafraid. While other countries may live in constant fear, we will not. We stand together and our prayers extend to all those that were a part of that awful afternoon and have suffered grief, injury and loss.
Although this has changed the Boston Marathon forever, this annual tradition will not be dampened so quickly and will be back next year, even bigger and better than ever.
PHOTO CREDITS: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe, Getty Images and Reuters and David L. Ryan of Associated Press
Comments are closed.