For over 100 years, Patriots Day has been more than a day to commemorate the 1775 Battles of Lexington & Concord, it has marked the day of the Boston Marathon (save for 2020 & 2021 courtesy the coronavirus pandemic).1,2 A 26.2 mile course traversing 8 towns and cities, commencing in one of my favorite parts of beloved Boston, Back Bay, on Boylston Street.1 This race unites nations and invigorates Bostonians. It showcases the city’s amazing spirit and celebrates humanity.

This Marathon Monday adds another milestone to its history. It is the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing. A day that took the lives of 3 spectators & a MIT Police officer, wounded more than 500 individuals and left 17 people with traumatic amputations.2,3 The attack created great loss, havoc and destruction. It placed the city on lockdown, and while the world paused, Boston showed its true colors: BOSTON STRONG.

Let us celebrate the survivors whose strength serves as a reminder of what the human spirit can achieve. Let us thank the countless bystanders, first responders and individuals who gave freely to protect everyone affected. Let us respectfully salute each person who endured this tragedy and worked towards healing. I personally salute JAS & family and the kind people who gave to each of you.

Please take a moment today to reflect. Read someone’s experience and take note. My children were too young to remember, but they appreciate the gravity of the event and the arduous journey each person took towards recovery. I wish to share with you a book that greatly impacted them: Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship Authors: Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes; Illustrator: Scott Magoon.4 An inspirational literary work I share with the Doctorate of Physical Therapy students enrolled in my orthotics and prosthetics course. I think it will affect you as well.

Best wishes to all participants of the 127th Boston Marathon!

Image by onlyin.boston5

References

  1. “Boston Marathon Bombing.” History Channel, April 13, 2023, https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/boston-marathon-bombings.
  2. “History of the Boston Marathon.” Boston Athletic Association, https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/history. Accessed April 15, 2023.
  3. “Marathon Bombing Anniversary: FBI Boston marks 10-year anniversary by honoring victims, recalling responders’ heroic efforts.” FBI, April 13, 2023, https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/boston-marathon-bombing-anniversary.
  4. “Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship.” Candlewick Press, https://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763696048. Accessed April 15, 2023.
  5. onlyin.boston. Finish line for the 2023 Boston Marathon. Instagram, 14 April 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/CrBHXkvs-uW/?hl=en. Accessed 16 April 2023.
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