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Sunday, 20 April 2014

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Boston Strong – One Year On.

It is in the depths of depravity and despair that we find resilience and strength.

The very same could be said of Bostonians, who today will cheer on thousands of willing and fit men and women through the torture of a 26.2 mile trek through their city. Not only will they be supporting their family and friends pounding the pavement, but they will start upon a journey of healing.  And they will be closing the door on a chapter of paranoia - that has enveloped the city since this time last year.

Those two brothers who effectively shut down the city of Boston for almost ten days last year deserve their comeuppance – both in this life and the next. One has passed on but the other awaits his trial. Retribution cannot come quickly enough for those who they hurt, maimed and killed.

Because of the actions of those two young men, Boston may never be quite the same again. It is amazing to think that just two individual people can wield such power and destruction. I know that in world terms their actions have been dwarfed by other insane bombings and terrible tragedies – but this was the first ever public event that changed the way a city lives.

Boston has always been a relaxed and playful city. It loves its sports, culture and lifestyle. Mother Nature has provided a weather that fluctuates from season to season, allowing the city to regrow. And in the power to regenerate comes change – not only in attitude but in moving on.

Time heals all wounds, no matter how deep the cut.


Paranoia is something that also dissipates with time. You learn to adapt and change with different procedures – so much so that change becomes part of normal life. How many years ago did we say that security going through airports was a hindrance and protected nothing? Now it is part and parcel of aviation and we all allow extra time after check in to get through security check points.

But it never goes away completely, and that’s a good thing. You are a bit more attuned to watch out for dangers and more likely to speak out against something that you don’t agree with. And with helping others - they are more likely to be on their guard for you in return.

People in the main, are good people.

The preparation for today has been in full swing for many days and weeks. Security, as you can imagine is being tightened. Undercover policemen and women are mixing with the general public along the city streets. Hi-visibility Police officers are on most street corners and junctions. Police helicopters patrol the skies while Transit Police monitor the actions of the public underground T trains. No stone is being left unturned.

But it is in the phrases and slogans plastered everywhere that give an insight about the positive messages Bostonians are trying to get across to the world.

They will not be broken – in body or in spirit. They hit rock bottom and came out fighting. 

Two of their biggest sporting teams coasted to their respective championships riding high on the crest of public empathy and support. It was the city’s way of saying “F**k you, we are Boston.”

And for that staunch never say die spirit, you have to applaud them.



So tonight, tune into your local TV station. No doubt they will have a heartwarming story of how this year’s marathon was such a success - and rightly so.  

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