A “Boston Strong” banner hangs at Rowes Wharf in Boston. Photo: AP
My friend Todd Gothberg says he experienced a wide range of emotions after last year’s deadly Boston Marathon bombings, and in his book, Believe, he describes them: “Shock. Sadness. Despair. Anger. Regret. Guilt. Relief. Peace.”
Todd finished his 15th Boston Marathon about an hour before the blasts on Boylston Street which killed three people and wounded more than 260.
2013 Boston Marathon bombing survivor Karen Rand, center, waves to the crowd as others injured in the blasts, Celeste Corcoran, left, and her daughter Sydney, second from left, and Roseann Sdoia, right, are honored at a recent Boston Celtics basketball game. Photo: AP
In the wake of the tragedy, the city adopted a simple slogan, “Boston Strong,” to both remember the dead and injured and celebrate courage, leadership and community.
On Monday, April 21st, Todd and about 36,000 other runners will line up for the 118th Boston Marathon.
Todd says “Boston Strong” is all about a unifying spirit and strength that goes well beyond the physical traits required to finish a marathon.
He says it’s also about a group of athletes who gather once a year not to race against one another, but to race with one another.
Brothers J.P. and Paul Norden, who lost their right legs in the bombings, walk the Boston Marathon course with friends and family on the first anniversary of the attack. Photo: AP
Tom Grilik, executive director of the Boston Athletic Association, which will stage the marathon on Monday, says the slogan means “to be borne on by an inner and enduring strength, and it means, above all, that we never, ever give in to anything.”
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says “Boston Strong” is about “the triumph of community itself,” and it’s a reminder of “how few degrees of separation there are between us.”
A touching tribute Sonny to all the brave souls in Boston who refused to buckle, instead triumphed over evil and continue to inspire people everywhere. A Sonny Side of Sports salute is in order to the city and its resilient inhabitants.
Thanks for the nice comments, Ashenafi! As my friend Todd says, “evil will not have the final word,” and the marathon runners will OWN the finish line on Boylston Street Monday! #BostonStrong #InItForTheLongRun
Come on, Boston! Tough times never last but tough people do! I Believe in Boston Strong!