Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

The Finish Line for the Boston Marathon

I was stunned today by the news of the tragedy at the Boston Marathon.  The news was so awful that it really didn't seem real.  It was almost too much to believe.  I thought of the runners and their families the spectators who were there to cheer on these amazing athletes and the unselfish volunteers who just wanted to provide a safe, fun experience for the runners and their guests.

One of the participants in the marathon was from my triathlon club.  She briefly shared some of her thoughts with us via Facebook.  These are her words of the moments from just before the tragedy:

"My husband was just about to post a picture of us at the finish... It was to read 'one of the happiest days of our lives'...Then the bomb went off...."

I have tried to ignore the news reports on the tragedy throughout the day, but they are tough to avoid.  It just didn't seem like watching the sadness over and over was a very productive thing--at least for me.  But I will tell you one thing that I noticed.

Volunteers Aiding the Victims

In the seconds after that first explosion, I realized that police officers, race volunteers (including doctors) wearing their fluorescent yellow bibs, National Guardsmen, spectators and runners started running toward the blast.  Within minutes, they had stripped away the barriers and fences to make room for ambulances and emergency responders to get to the victims on the sidewalk.  These courageous men and women weren't trying to get away.  They were literally running to aid the victims.  They exhibited little care or concern for their own safety or for whether there might be further danger.  They went to aid the injured because they simply wanted to help.

NYC's Bravest

It reminded me of the bravery of the NYC firefighters on 9/11 who selflessly raced up the stairs of the Twin Towers at the same time that the survivors were coming down the stairs to get out and as the buildings were collapsing.  That type of courage is remarkable to me and it seems fitting that moments of tragedy can reveal the true greatness of our nation's character.

I'm grateful for these examples of nobility and sacrifice that temper our nation's tragedies.  The selflessness, bravery, and courage of those volunteers today and the heroes of 9/11 are what makes this country great and what makes me proud to be an American.  I will try and focus on that bravery, that spirit of bravery and courage--rather than dwell on the unimaginable sadness, loss, and grief that too many are still enduring.

There are people around the world who apparently hate this country and what it stands for enough to try and harm the innocent.  But I'm grateful that there are so many good Americans out there--like those police officers, race volunteers, spectators, and runners at the finish line in Boston today--that can inspire us.