Between the Lines:
Tributes to the Boston Marathon
One month ago today, the world was shocked by the senseless bombing at the Boston Marathon. Both runners and non-runners were saddened, frightened, outraged. People who had never given much thought to the Boston Marathon now wore shirts that read "Boston Strong" or "Boston Stands as One." People who didn't exercise went for a walk or jog to honor the victims, the runners, and the people of Boston. Runners all over the world dedicated their races to victims, runners, and people of Boston. We all engaged in moments of silence ... together. It's true that tragedy bonds communities. Tragedy brings out the best in people. Tragedy inspires courage. Tragedy makes people hug their loved ones a little tighter. One thing is certain. Despite the sadness, fear, and outrage, we are strong, and tragic events often make us stronger - both as communities and as individuals. Theodore Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are." Communities everywhere are doing what they can to pay tribute.
In a touching tribute from a community still recovering from their own tragedy, residents of Newtown, Connecticut, are sharing messages including "Love is Louder" with the people of Boston. Anne Regnery is one of the volunteers who is packaging and sending 1,500 hand-painted ceramic "Hearts of Hope" for distribution to hospitals and other community centers around Boston. "It's just a little act of kindness to say were all in this together," said Regnery.
Runners in Marquette, Michigan, are showing their support for the victims of the Boston Marathon. Stephanie Z. Langlois has organized the Boston Strong 409 Run to begin at 6 pm today. The race is 4.9 miles long, and all of the proceeds are going to the One Fund Boston organization.
The PULSE Running & Fitness Shop in Meridian, Idaho, is inviting local runners to take a moment today and dedicate a portion of their runs to the victims, families, and community of the Boston bombing. They are asking runners to reserve 4:09, whether it be minutes or miles, to reflect on how fortunate we are to have the freedom to run and to reflect on the families and friends of those who were injured or lost.
In races all over the country, race organizers are posting banners for runners to sign and offer their sentiments to the people of Boston. Marathon & Beyond was at the Flying Pig Marathon on May 5, and we added our own thoughts on their banner.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013. If you would like to help, click here to visit the One Fund Boston website.
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