I hate to admit it but I’m one of those native Bostonians who used to think that the marathon was a bit of a nuisance. It clogged traffic all weekend, made it impossible to get into a restaurant, and left a big mess that my city tax dollars would be spent cleaning up.
It’s an overly parochial view, but not uncommon among lifelong Boston residents like myself … sort of like when some native North-Enders head out of town to avoid the noisy saints’ feast day celebrations. In our minds, they had become tourist attractions. They weren’t really “our” events.
Not this year. And not ever again. To many of us, the marathon is no longer just a race, but a celebration of Boston. And what’s even more important is that any vestige of old vs. new Boston, townies vs. newcomers, or any distinction between those of us who were born here and those who just arrived is gone — hopefully forever. Today, there will be no suburbanites or city dwellers, foreigners or natives. Today the entire world is Bostonian.
Standing shoulder to shoulder in the city’s streets, restaurants, ice cream parlors, or at the finish line will be families from the suburbs and Dorchester’s three-deckers. College students from across the country will mingle with youths from Charlestown, Eastie or Roxbury. And visitors from Europe, Asia or the Middle East will join us in the mutual recognition that they are enjoying one of the greatest cities in the world.
Yes, we are all Bostonians now. Last year’s tragedy caused something that the losers who tried to damage our city’s spirit didn’t count on. The sadness, loss and shock turned to anger, resolve and a feeling that “You don’t mess with Boston!” Everyone was bound together regardless of their origins. When we talk about “our city,” it no longer means the city where you were born, or even where you now live. “Our city” means BOSTON. No matter where you’re from.
The world knows you can’t keep Boston down. People from everywhere are sending a message that those who might try will have to go through them first to succeed. Nobody will let Boston fend for itself, and those of us who have called this place home since birth feel it and, believe me, we appreciate it more than you can imagine. It’s opened our eyes to the fact that when you come to Boston today and from now on, you are a Bostonian; as much so as any native can be. We welcome you and embrace you!
So come on in. Wear your “Boston Strong” T-shirt, or a Celtics, Red Sox or Bruins jersey. Heck, you can even wear a Yankees jersey! After all, we are all part of the same family now. And together we’ll celebrate the marathon. For the greatest city in the world. For Boston. OUR city.