We would love to open this editorial by quoting the immortal words of ‘Big Papi’ David Ortiz… but to paraphrase – this is OUR Boston, and as the Mayor proclaims, it is open for business.
With the initial nightmare and capture now over, the healing process has begun in earnest and accelerated given Bostonian’s steely resolve. First and foremost, that means properly memorializing those killed in the marathon attacks. It means honoring the courage and heroism of the first responders who saved countless lives; admiring those in law enforcement whose unrelenting and intelligent efforts to capture the suspects was efficient and quick. It also means continuing support for the wounded and their families, accomplished by donating to the OneFundBoston.org, a one source fund which was brilliantly conceived and quickly executed.
As the city recovers, getting back to business literally means supporting commerce in Boston. The core of the city and some of its surrounding suburbs have been at a virtual standstill. From shuttered restaurants, to the stores and offices on Boylston Street closed since Patriots Day; the economic loss to our area only adds to the overwhelming emotional losses.
As Boylston Street reopens this week, head to Back Bay for dinner, shop at your favorite neighborhood stores, and show the world that the Boston Strong movement continues to flourish. In the year ahead Bostonians will revitalize the city, visitors will flock back and we will remember those whose lives have been lost while offering invaluable assistance to those whose lives changed forever.
And at the end of that years’ time, on the third Monday in April, runners will once again flock from all over the world to Boston. And we will all return, lining the course to cheer them on.
The 118th running of the Boston Marathon won’t erase the painful memory of last Monday, but will provide a new and much better one to replace it; as we will undoubtedly witness the most memorable, emotional, and remarkable Boston Marathon ever.