APRIL 15 started out as a day of celebration of Patriots Day in Boston — commemorating the first battles of the American Revolution in 1775.
Some 23,000 participants from around the world joined the annual Boston Marathon, while more than 500,000 spectators came to cheer them on.
Just two hours after the winners crossed the coveted end mark, two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing at least three people and injuring more than 170.
Cheers immediately became screams and the celebration turned into chaos.
The incident set the world abuzz over ghastly images and videos of the bloodstained scene of the explosion.
Calls for prayers for the victims and their families flooded various social networking sites, as #prayersforboston trended instantly.
“The Archdiocese of Boston joins all people of good will in expressing deep sorrow following the senseless acts of violence perpetrated at the Boston Marathon,” said Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Seán O’Malley.
“Our prayers and concern are with so many who experienced the trauma of these acts, most especially the loved ones of those who lives were lost and those who were injured, and the injured themselves.”
O’Malley’s remarks were echoed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York: “The tragic end to the Boston Marathon reminds us all that evil exists and that life is fragile.”
“The growing culture of violence in our world and even in our country calls for both wise security measures by government officials and an examination by all of us to see what we can personally do to enhance peace and respect for one another in our world.”
Although relieved that Filipinos in Boston (especially those who participated in the marathon) are safe, the Philippine government joined the worldwide call for prayers for the victims and their families.
“The administration joins the international community in extending our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones in the bombing of the Boston Marathon,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.
Valte said that President Benigno Aquino condemns those who dared defile the sanctity of the Boston Marathon.
She added that Aquino personally conveys a message of deep sympathy, concern, and solidarity with the people of Boston, where he and his family had found refuge during Martial Law.
“Boston is a city of bravery, openness, and liberty: this tragedy will not change these essential truths, and points of pride, for this great city,” Valte concluded.
Meanwhile, President Barack Obama assured that perpetrators of what he called an act of terror, will “feel the full weight of justice.”
“The American people refuse to be terrorized. Because what the world saw yesterday in the aftermath of the explosions were stories of heroism and kindness and generosity and love. We will find whoever harmed our citizens, and we will bring them to justice,” Obama said in the White House briefing room.
Obama, who is in constant communication with national security agencies, vowed to get to the bottom of what was tagged as the the worst attack on US soil since Sept. 11, 2001.
In this time of distraught, we are reminded of the significance of Patriots Day.
It is not to glorify war and violence, but to honor the fallen.
The Boston bombing is a heart-wrenching reason to grieve, but it is also reason to stand united amid a chaotic world.
(AJPress)
