Ten Years Later, We Remain Boston Strong
The 2013 bombings taught us that we are all stronger together.
Most adults can recall their exact location during the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. They can recollect the fear after news reports described the fatal scenes in New York as the famed buildings were ablaze.
I was not alive for 9/11. However, there is a certain dreadful event I will never forget: the Boston Marathon bombings.
My family went for lunch at one of my favorite casual spots in Newport, Rhode Island as the TVs showed charity runners crossing the finish line. Several images of euphoric runners cherishing the arduous journey populated the screens.
Suddenly, the joyous scenes were replaced by a shock of terror. At 2:49 p.m., two pressure cooker bombs exploded within seconds of each other. Panic spread through the restaurant.
Reports from Sports Illustrated say that windows were shattered. Unfortunately, three people were killed and 281 civilians were injured.
The city was flung into chaos as government agencies searched the streets for the suspects, two brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. After a heavy shootout with the police and an escape, police found Dzhokhar in a boat parked at a suburban home.
I did not experience the horror firsthand but the tension was impalpable, even 62 miles away. When we came back, an edgy mood beset the car as the first glimpse we saw of our home was a yellow sign on the highway. Shelter-in-place.
What Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev didn’t know was that Boston is a resilient city.
First, Boston is renowned for its healthcare. When the bombs went off, medical professionals and ordinary citizens sprung into action, turning into heroes. Studies show that the survival rate of the incident was higher due to the use of an earlier technique called the tourniquet,meant to stop the flow of blood by applying pressure to the wound.
Moreover, the rallying cry “Boston Strong” rang true within the city. The slogan was painted on the Green Monster at Fenway Park and above an overpass on the last mile of the race.
The survivors are an embodiment of courage and resilience. Even with prosthetics and surgeries, these warriors resisted their urge to succumb to their injuries. Charities were set up to assist in relief after tragic incidents and many ran the marathon this year. Marc Fucarile, who lost his right leg in the bombings, was one of several survivors to run the race this year.
In a wheelchair after the race, Fucarile told WCVB, “The crowd was amazing. The people were great. Just had fun. I took my time, stopped, saw the family, and took pictures with dogs. Living the dream.”
The living proof that Boston is strong.
Elite women run by mile 19 in Newton during the 2023 Boston Marathon. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Elite women run by mile 19 in Newton during the 2023 Boston Marathon. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Elite men run past mile 19 in Newton in the 2023 Boston Marathon. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Elite men run past mile 19 in Newton in the 2023 Boston Marathon. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Runners pass mile 19 in Newton during the 2021 Boston Marathon. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Runners pass mile 19 in Newton during the 2021 Boston Marathon. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Not to mention the outpour of global support Boston received in the aftermath of the tragedy. World leaders condemned the attacks while people all over the world laid flowers for the victims.
Sporting events held moments of silence and Major League Baseball teams showed solace by playing the ‘Sweet Caroline,’ a Fenway Park staple.
And Boston sports. The hometown teams came through when the Boston faithful needed a boost. While the Boston Bruins came within two games of conquering the Chicago Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup, the Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals to secure the World Series.
Even better, the Red Sox won at home for the first time in 95 years allowing fans to celebrate the victory at Fenway Park. During the parade ceremony, the Red Sox brought the trophy to the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The team laid a jersey over the trophy that donned the Boston area code “617 Strong.”
Now, the city comes together each Patriots’ Day to honor the victims of this tragic incident. The city unites as cheers and applause rain down from the sidelines, cheering on each runner who dares to challenge the course.
Marathon Monday brings out the best of Boston. It is unique to see a city come together for a common cause and to uplift thousands of people.
Wellesley College students are louder than ever, fans at Heartbreak Hill encourage athletes with greater zeal, and crossing the finish line on Boylston Street is sweeter than ever.
Bikers pose for a picture before taking on the Boston Marathon course. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers pose for a picture before taking on the Boston Marathon course. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers rejoice as they are one mile away from the finish line. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers rejoice as they are one mile away from the finish line. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers stop on Beacon Street before reaching Kenmore Square. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers stop on Beacon Street before reaching Kenmore Square. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers pose at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Bikers pose at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Mr. Wholey poses after biking up Heartbreak Hill. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
Mr. Wholey poses after biking up Heartbreak Hill. Photo credited to Evan Michaeli
I keep the motto “Boston Strong” close to my heart. On Sunday, I biked the marathon with a group of students and teachers the night before the race. With a total biking time–not including stops–of an hour and 58 minutes, we were able to surpass the times of the entire field, 20 minutes better than last year’s iteration.
The very last stretch caught me. I choked up a bit when I passed the twin memorials on Boylston Street honoring those who lost their lives ten years ago. I know that the competitive spirit to persevere is a prevalent force on Boylston Street. And it’s only getting stronger.
I know that we are Boston Strong.
Scroll down to see highlights from the midnight marathon bike ride from April 16.
9:40pm
The cohort of bikers departed Hopkinton and sped off into the distance, ready for the challenging course ahead.
10:54pm
The group of bikers reach the halfway point at Wellesley College. The leaders of the group decide to scare the cyclists in the back, recreating the famed 'Scream Tunnel.'
12:04am
After a series of four hills, the last of the group finally reaches the pinnacle of Heartbreak Hill. A momentous moment indeed!
12:35am
Flanked by the Citgo sign and Kenmore Square, the bikers reach the one-mile to go mark. In a few short moments, the group will be celebrating their achievement at the finish line.
Built with Shorthand