All of you are aware by now that yesterday brought us the awful tragedy of explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. As of this morning, information is still forthcoming and will be for quite some time. According to CNN, three people are dead (including an 8-year-old boy who wanted to watch his father finish), and over a hundred more were injured with many victims suffering lost limbs. Police have searched an apartment in connection with the explosions, but the investigation is still in its very early stages.
This is the worst terror attack on US soil since 9/11, and the sheer timing of the explosions — which went off at about 4:09, the average finish time on the Boston course — is chilling. Just about everyone realizes the Boston Marathon is huge in terms of the sport. Any runner can tell you that it’s easily the most prestigious race in the entire country and one that you will work for many years to qualify for, if ever. Only the best of the best make it to Boston at any point in their lives, and now all those runners (and their families) who worked so hard to make that goal happen have been rocked by this horrific act of violence.
What struck me most poignantly about the news coverage is one particular video that played on repeat on all of the news channels. The footage shows the initial moments of the blast and the reaction by runners on the course. These people were already wearied and discombobulated by 26 miles of running, and they were all completely shocked to hear the first explosion. It absolutely killed me to watch a runner named Bill Iffrig get knocked off his feet by the sheer force of the blast. Fortunately, Bill is okay and (miraculously) only suffered a scraped knee, and he was able to walk to the finish line. Sadly, so many people in attendance at that event were not so lucky.
Naturally and since we are a celebrity blog, here’s a quick rundown of Bostonian celebrity responses to the tragedy. First up, Mark Wahlberg tweeted, “Thoughts and prayers with my hometown Boston today.”
Wahlberg also spoke to Us Weekly last night at his latest film premiere. Here’s what he had to add to the melee:
“It’s just so upsetting,” Wahlberg, 41, told Us Weekly at a Cinema Society screening of his new film, Pain & Gain, in New York City April 15. “Obviously I’ve got a huge family and so many family and friends back in Boston. I don’t know what exactly happened, and I don’t know if everyone’s okay. I’m just trying to be here [at the screening] and put on a brave face and just be a professional.”
The Oscar-nominated actor added, “The world obviously needs to change. If you think about all the events over the last couple years, if we can’t protect our innocent women and children, then we have a serious problem.”
[From Us Weekly]
Many other celebrities — including Ben Affleck, Mindy Kaling, Chris Evans (from Sudbury), and Eli Roth (from Newton) — who hail from the Boston area took to their Twitter pages too. Here are some of their responses to this terrible tragedy.
Ben Affleck: “Such a senseless and tragic day. My family and I send our love to our beloved and resilient Boston.” [From Twitter]
Mindy Kaling: “My heart aches for my hometown. My love and support to the many worthy Boston area hospitals who are helping the wounded, St. E’s, Mass General, Beth Israel and many more.” [From Twitter]
Chris Evans: “[T]houghts and prayers are with everybody in boston. heartbreaking… [From Twitter]
Eli Roth: “Thoughts and prayers for everyone in Boston. Can’t believe what I’m reading. Stay safe.” [From Twitter]
UPDATE: Several of you have requested that we mention Patton Oswalt’s amazing Facebook post on the subject. He’s not Bostonian, but it’s well worth reading his essay, which in which he concludes, “When you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, “The good outnumber you, and we always will.”
Photos courtesy of Boston Herald and WENN
Your missing Patton Oswalt. He had such a good and heartfelt statement and it just reaffirms why he’s my favorite comedian.
Definitely something most people need to read
Yes-his statement was wonderful.
Yes! I was just getting ready to type that! His blog over at HuffPo was perfect and amazing.
In case anyone else is curious (I was), his statement is on his Facebook page, and here’s an excerpt:
“So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, ‘The good outnumber you, and we always will.'”
Thank you for posting that – I read it last night, and the last line is especially powerful, and true.
He said it best. Bless.
I’m Canadian and have thankfully never had to deal with a tragedy like this, but several of my friends are runners and I can’t even…I mean, I was in tears all last night thinking of those poor people who just wanted to cheer on the marathoners and are now dead or missing limbs or what have you.
It’s horrible, that’s all I can say.
Best wishes and thoughts & prayers to all Bostonian Celebitches, I hope you’re all safe and well!
I sincerely hope they find whoever was responsible for this. This has caused so much damage to so many people and a lovely city, I can barely begin to imagine how everyone must be feeling.
To think that so many people came out to cheer on total strangers and this happens . . .
+1
My heart bleeds for the people of Boston who were injured or lost a loved one. I can truly understand what you must be feeling. This is bringing back the sad memories of friends I’ve lost in The World Trade. I’m just baffled by this senseless act of violence against innoncent people.
I’m counting my blessings that my friend who is driving down from Boston to NY tomorrow is safe.
Thank you Amelia, thank you V4Real, it’s just heartwrenching.
Sending my love and support to Boston. Nobody should ever have to fear violence when they leave their front door.
I am in Boston now, and all of these good wishes mean a lot. It is absolutely heartbreaking. Everyone is still in shock. I am glad to report that all of my nearest and dearest are well, though several friends were there when it happened. But when I read the reports of the deaths and amputations and the number of children who are in intensive care, I want to curl up into a ball and cry all day.
It’s good to know that you and your loved ones are well. I hope everything stabilizes soon.
All of your fellow Americans are thinking about everyone in Boston today.
Please post or link to the Patton Oswalt Twitter post. It was beautiful and concise, without being preachy. I emailed it to my friends and family this morning. Renewed love for Patton today.
My heart goes out to the runners and bystanders in Boston yesterday. 🙁
Ever notice how when these things happen nobody ever mentions who did it?
And that’s why “they” keep doing it.
Do you know who did it yet? If so, the police may want to speak with you.
+1
They have to find the criminal(s) first.
LOL @Sweet Dee. Good point.
And here I was just a bit earlier this evening, during a private conversation with a friend, commending the authorities on not jumping to conclusions without verification.
Are you kidding? I can’t turn on the TV or radio without hearing guesses and questions and theories about who did this and why… the media is so eager to find out that misinformation is spreading like wildfire.
Actually they always do.
This is the first time decades that a bomb has been planted anywhere in the world and no one has claimed responsibility for it. They always bomb to purpose. That’s why this is extra senseless since no one knows why or who did it.
Well, right now nobody knows who did it so it would be difficult to mention them by name. And once they find out, I hope nobody refers to them by name coz that’s what these fcukers want – publicity.
THIS.
In no reflection of the magnitude of the tragedy involved, report the facts. (period)
We don’t need 24 hour news coverage speculating endlessly when there is nothing new to report. It only gives the a**holes who are responsible more notoriety than they are already receiving.
I agree. I don’t want to spend any time learning about the person/people who did this. I don’t want to know their names or “why” they did it. It was evil.
I prefer to focus on the innocent. I would rather learn about who they are/were and how specifically we can help them put their lives back together.
What? Everyone mentions who did it, its the first thing people want to know. We just don’t know yet with Boston.
It would be irresponsible for us to assume anything this early. A rush to judgement without any facts is not what this situation needs. This was a horrific assault on innocent civilians. I think we need to stay focus, and find out who did this, instead of assume.
Just to add…The Taliban came out and said, paraphrasing here, “While we still hate you. That wasn’t us.”
That statement actually made me laugh. I’m a terrible person, I know.
Link or it didn’t happen!!
It was literally the out bizarre quote I’ve ever read. “we kill Americans on the spot….but we didn’t do this.”. ….huh???. What the eff is that about? They seem so …comedic. Like its just bizarre and what the eff how do you get a quote from the Taliban? Like who’s the authority? Do theybhave some publicist or something? This is bizarre.
That was the gist of the statement:
“Certainly, America is our target and we will attack the U.S. and its allies whenever the [Pakistani Taliban] finds the opportunity, but we are not involved in this attack.”
http://www.mediaite.com/online/pakistani-taliban-deny-involvement-in-boston-marathon-bombing/
Here’s another one.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/16/world/asia/pakistan-taliban-marathon/
I have a feeling this might be homegrown like Oklahoma.
@Reece: I agree with you about it being home-grown. And certainly, if it was an organized terrorist group, they would be quick to take responsibility.
The Pakistani Talibani rarely (if ever) conducts international terrorist attacks. They usually stay regional or in Pakistan. I don’t think their attacks went as far as Turkey (if that).
I have a feeling this is homegrown. International organizations tend to take responsibility right after it happens, coupled with videos, messages, letters, and the like. With homegrown terrorism, it’s more of an advantage if they remain quite as they can’t hide very long on US soil.
They will never show their cards. Any news hitting the reports will get plastered all over tv and spook the people responsible into hiding. I am very impressed with how all those interviewed sang only praise for the 1st responders.
And Taliban was out of the list of suspects from the start on the grounds the bomb wasn’t hydrogen peroxide based. I guess that was a tell tale sign of their bombs.
Wow, you know who did it?? I hope you called the FBI and Boston Police and told them!!!
There are no words.
What a tragedy that will affect these people for the rest of their lives. Heart felt wishes from Minnesota to Boston,MA.
This is so horrible and hard to understand
My best friend had 2 of her brothers each lose a leg. 2 young guys who will now probably never be able to work their jobs (roofers) again.
Very sad for those who lost their lives and the others injured
Very sorry to hear that, read about them earlier today. Can’t imagine how anyone in that situation must feel, but my prayers are with them.
I’m so sorry to hear this. The number of immediate amputations was one of the most shocking things for me to hear about after the bombings.
That is so awful. Sending my love to all of those in need.
So sorry to hear this. I’ll keep sending out thoughts and prayers for everyone that is suffering.
So sorry for your friend and her family. I heard about them. Praying for comfort for Boston.
I heard about them earlier today, as some ‘blerb’ running across the bottom of the news screen.
I am SO sorry for everyone who has been affected by this. It’s sad that it takes things like this to show how many ‘good’ people there are out there.
Audrey, I’m originally from Stoneham and knowing that people from my hometown are so desperately hurting is terrible. I’ll be sending some money to the fund that’s been been set up. Wish I could do more.
Audrey, I’m originally from Stoneham and knowing that people from my hometown are so desperately hurting is painful. I’ll be sending some money to the fund that’s been been set up. Wish I could do more.
Hi Audrey,
OMG they are my neighbors grand-nephews! She emailed me yesterday to tell me this! It’s so awful! I also want to say thank you to all the Celebitchy posters for their well wishes and concerns! It means so much!
Thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of those wounded and killed, and sending much love and support to Boston.
That poor little boy’s family: his little sister lost a leg, and his mother had to have brain surgery, all because of some inexplicably violent, vile scum.
I was reading the lives blogs on Boston Globe while everything was going on and when news of the little boy and this pic (http://live.boston.com/Event/Live_blog_Explosion_in_Copley_Square/72950316?ss=1) came up I lost my shit. I cannot imagine. Bless the police (who’s quick action found more devices before they detinated). Bless the EMT’s, caregivers and spectators who acted fast and were quick to help those injured on the scene and rush those off to safety that weren’t. My heart goes out to the marathoners, those injured or dead and their families, friends and those in attendance. Politics aside…things like this should just never happen. It’s extremely sad that this is current state, that the frequency and level of violence in our country is increasing.
Latest report I saw said there were no other devices found, but it still certainly speaks to the bravery of the people investigating. I saw footage of a bomb squad guy approaching and examining items left along the street, I can’t imagine what it takes to do that job.
This EXACTLY.
My heart is bruised just thinking of all the Bostonians, bystanders and marathoners who were injured or killed yesterday. That little boy – the injured and maimed – I just can’t.
Love, prayers and donations to the injured and their families wherever needed. That’s all we can do. Love u, Boston. *tears*
Thoughts and prayers to all the victims, their family and friends and others that are affected by this, especially the ppl of Boston. Since the news, I was reflecting: To have to see these senseless acts of violence over and over again is frightening, a madness – what has happen that so many have lost their compassion and humanity? History keeps repeating and are we not learning? Just terribly sad…
Yes, tragedy after tragedy is begining to take its toll.
I’m with both of you. I’m numb. Not as frantic as I felt after Newtown, but feeling increasingly upset about what seems to be an undeniable escalation in violence here in the US.
I’m also uneasy with a sentiment I just heard expressed on the radio (NPR) — that perhaps Boston is unworthy of this outpouring of grief because senseless acts like this occur all the time in other parts of the world and don’t get any attention.
All I can think about is the possibility of more of these events occurring in the future, which is where my head was at after 9/11, too.
“I’m also uneasy with a sentiment I just heard expressed on the radio (NPR) — that perhaps Boston is unworthy of this outpouring of grief because senseless acts like this occur all the time in other parts of the world and don’t get any attention.”
I understand the sentiment and I think it’s important that people acknowledge it but I also HATE when people compare tragedies–it’s very very unfair. People are hurt and angry-their anger and hurt is not somehow less warranted or less valid simply because bombings occur more frequently in other parts of the world.
I don’t necessarily disagree with the NPR, but I think they don’t take a very good approach. I don’t think Boston is undeserving of the outpour of grief, it is. But there should also be grief for all those who lose their lives on a daily basis in all parts of the world, especially if it is the result of foreign intervention. It would help build empathy for those who are in need in all parts of the world, whether it is in Boston or Iraq.
Thoughts and prayers to everyone in Boston. Such a senseless thing.
Love and hugs to all those who are suffering for this senseless tragedy.
My best friend was there, running his very first marathon. He was stopped before the finish line and told the “marathon was over”. His family was waiting for him at the finish line. He could not get to them and could not reach them via phone. Sitting here, trying to figure out what happened to everyone using my laptop and then attempting to coordinate them was a very stressful time. Thankfully, they were all safe. Sadly, not everyone was. I’m devastated. This is awful.
Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and fear, and grief.
Wanted to say a thank you to all who helped people yesterday and continue today, by all accounts, it was an amazing response. People who run to help are the one beacon of light in a tragedy like this.
It was amazing to watch so many people jump into action and start helping. They ignored their own fear and did whatever they could to assist others. That’s the only positive we can take from this.
The good outnumber you…that made me cry! it’s just so awful.
As atrocious as this is/was, I dont like how the media handles it, and neither do I like how it skews the degree and scale of an event like this in comparison to say– what happens every day in Pakistan or Syria or heck even in some neigborhoods in the US. Shootings, deaths, bombs- its not right, but overhyping one event out of scale doesnt help the situation either. More emphasis needs to be on the heroism and good acts of common people, the acts of those who work to prevent this kind of thing or to soothe damages, the real ‘tragedy’ of other chronic problems, or the positive things in life rather than BOMBS BOMBS BOMBS BOMBS its all we ever see!! I know lessening coverage wont change much but at least it will give psyches a chance to partially heal and wont give as many stupid people new ideas. I am disappointed, as always, whenever anything ‘tragic’ occurs, with the pratical fanfare and fascination surrounding it.
I agree about the coverage being poor. It’s terrible but we should be thanking our lucky stars that things like this happen so rarely. In many other countries people walk around DAILY with the fear of death in their hearts.
Not to minimize your point, but there *are* places in the United States where people fear death or harm daily. When I lived on the South Side of Chicago (in my 20s), many of the neighborhoods there and on the West Side were virtual war zones. Scores of elderly people in those neighborhoods died in the heat wave of 1995 because they were afraid even to open their windows. And I suspect that many who have lived in a community that has had a mass shooting (Springfield, Oregon, 1998, my post-Chicago destination) also retain some of that fear for a long, long time.
What about all those stupid doctor interviews?? (The doctors aren’t stupid, the reporters are!) My husband and I were both yelling at one point “Shut up and let them get back to work!”
I have to agree. In the same day, a bomb went off in Iraq right before elections and killed 30 people. I unfortunately have been hardened to bad new like this (I’ve lived through several wars and live in a conflict zone), and it’s a coping mechanism to act as if it’s normal. That said, I think we should make a big deal out of any place that experiences violence on a daily basis or very rarely, be it Boston, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Palestine, Syria, Bahrain or Tunisia.
I echo the sentiments of sending thoughts and well wishes to all affected. A friend who lives here but is from Boston said last night “I have never felt so homesick as I do today.”
I appreciated the President’s words at the press conference today.
I’ve been sad all day. Such a cowardly act of senseless violence. I will never understand the evil in the world.
This is a picture of the 8 year old boy that died…holding a sign reading, “No More Hurting People. Peace”
So heartbreaking!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/16/martin-richard-photo_n_3092473.html
Holy cow. I’m not doing a good job of holding it together today and that just got me going again. How sad.
That poor sweet little soul.
I have been living in Boston for 3 years now and I love this city so much!
Luckily, my friends and some co-workers (who were running) are all safe. The Boston Marathon is such a festive event in Boston. So, I still cannot digest/grasp what happened here yesterday.
Thank you for the kind words and support to the victims, to their families, and to the people of Boston.
Very sad, senseless. . .everything you’ve all mentioned.
Please mention Joey McIntyre’s tweet as well. He finished the marathon about 5 minutes before the blast. . .
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/new-kids-on-the-blocks-joey-mcintyre-tweets-hes-ok-after-bombs-explode-near-boston-marathon/2013/04/15/5d99eeae-a61d-11e2-9e1c-bb0fb0c2edd9_story.html
Soooo sad and tragic 🙁
I’m an international student currently studying in Boston, and despite only being here for less than a year, i have completely fallen in love with such an amazing city. The atmosphere on campus yesterday was so festive. There were block parties outside my dorm. I didn’t realize how big of an event the marathon is to Bostonians, but it is such a joyous occasion. Because the route slightly passes through my campus, i managed to cheer on some runners without having to go downtown.
I was so shocked when initial news reports about the explosions came out. I don’t have a tv in my dorm, so i rely a lot on Twitter accounts such as CNN for breaking news. Initially, i thought it was a manhole explosion or transformer explosion. I’ve been told that these are common here in Boston. Sadly, this was not the case. I had plenty of friends that were down on Copley watching the race, and thankfully all of them are safe and healthy. But it saddens and angers me that so many others aren’t. Everyone is still in a state of shock because many of us witnessed the explosions personally. It’s just been a very long and unusual weekend.
I don’t understand how people can commit such acts. So many lives were changed yesterday. And this sentiment goes out to all the atrocities that happen in the world daily, no matter who or where you are. Although i agree that the coverage is skewed, i hate that people are comparing the suffering of one group of people against another. The death of an 8 year old boy playing marbles in his backyard in Afghanistan is no different than the death of an 8 year old boy waiting at the finish line of the Boston Marathon to see his father. Sadly, these things occur every single day and it breaks my heart.
The one good thing about these tragedies occurring is the plethora of stories that come out much later, which showcase the good in humanity. I’ve heard reports of runners who crossed the finish line and ran straight to hospitals or medical tents to donate blood. Normal ordinary everyday Bostonians set up a Google doc with their name, number and address, offering runners a safe place to stay for the night. BC students are organizing a walk this Friday for the last 5 miles of the marathon that was not able to be finished. The students on my campus have been very supportive and loving towards one another as well.
My school didn’t cancel class for today. It was business as usual. The mood around campus and in class however was somber, sad and unlike the norm. It’s especially jarring considering the beautiful weather we are having in Boston today.
“The one good thing about these tragedies occurring is the plethora of stories that come out much later, which showcase the good in humanity. I’ve heard reports of runners who crossed the finish line and ran straight to hospitals or medical tents to donate blood. Normal ordinary everyday Bostonians set up a Google doc with their name..”
I was scrolling through the photo album on Huffington Post and what made me start crying wasn’t the pics of the injured, it was how many people, not just the volunteers, who ran to help. Not knowing whether or not there were more bombs, what else was going on, etc.
To quote Patton Oswalt: “The good outnumber you, and we always will.”
Patton’s Facebook comment really choked me up. It’s so hard to think of a reason why a person, or persons would do such a horrible thing and this is an awesome reminder that there is good in the world and that the human spirit will triumph.
Did anyone hear the report that there were bomb sniffing dogs at the start and finish lines before the races started? And that they were telling people it was just drill or training? This is absolutely bizarre. I thought there would be more information about who did it by now.
I was at the marathon. My husbands does it every year he can. I also was born in a city near Boston and often went to see the race as a child. With that said they always have dogs there. It is a HUGE event and it is just procedure to take those precautions. Thankfully my friends and family were all far away when the bombs went off.
There are a lot of rumors going off right now. Nothing we here is 100% accurate. Attention should be focused to those families that lost someone or have friends and family injured. This is sad and terrible and upsetting.
Don’t believe everything you hear after a tragedy,including this one:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/04/boston-marathon-bombing-fact-fiction
http://www.snopes.com/politics/conspiracy/boston.asp
And as for not having found out who did this barely 24 hours after the bombings, this is real life, not CSI.
Be that as it may I remeber hours after the wtc went down on 9/11 we knew who did it. Their pictures were plastered all over the news, so sorry im working off a precedent. I’m just confused as to why no one has taken responsibility for it.
Bostonian for 17 years here. This city is my heart and soul and..I can’t even type this without tearing up.
I think it’s difficult for those that don’t live here to really understand what a HUGE deal Marathon Weekend is. It’s a special Boston tradition that everyone in the city participates in. The week leading up to it is full of excitement and the city becomes packed with tourists.
As someone who has watched or volunteered at the Boston marathon countless times and as an avid runner, I always dreamed that I would some day run. Now I honestly don’t know if I even want to.
This person(s) not only claimed the lives of 3 victims (so far), injured 170, but also robbed so many runners of their big moment-the moment when years of training come to fruition and they get to cross the finish line to a deafening roar of cheers.
Marathon weekend is supposed to be a joyous and positive experience-everyone getting together and celebrating while watching the world’s best runners run for 26 miles with NON-STOP cheering (this is not an exaggeration) along the race route. That joyous cheering and celebratory feeling has now been silenced.
I have a thing where I REALLY hate it when people personalize a tragedy (I’m safe, after some touch-and-go moments all my friends and family are accounted for and safe and healthy) because really, it didn’t happen to ME–it happened to the 3 people who died and the people who’s limbs were blown off while partaking in a Boston tradition on a beautiful April day.
That being said, it’s running and it’s Boston–the two loves of my life and I can’t help but take this personally and it hurts like HELL.
Stay strong like we know you are, Kitten 🙂
The world has Boston in their hearts today. I think most people’s thoughts are with not only those who were victims of the bombs, but those whose city has been deeply hurt.
Yeah, I worked my ass off to qualify for the Boston marathon. I ended up getting injured a few months ago at Marine Corps so I wasn’t in good shape for the race, but I worked so hard to get there that I ran it anyway. Less than three minutes after I crossed the finish line crying with happiness, the first bomb went off. I am so, so lucky that I wasn’t just a little bit slower, and so happy and grateful that I am safe and unhurt…but I would be lying if I said I don’t feel extremely shaken up, upset, emotional, and honestly, even feeling totally different about the safety of marathoning in general 🙁
@TheOriginalKitten: Thank you for stating it so beautifully what the marathon represents. I just saw your reply yesterday on the Kerri thread when I mentioned the marathon. You are absolutely correct, it’s personal for the victims. However, it resonates with all of us who live here and it makes personal for all the reasons you stated above. Like you said, most of us who live in Boston have been to the race (Cheering for the runners, friends, family, volunteering, etc). Many of us asked ourselves: What if? What if I was there? What if someone I love was there? Would I’d been able to help?
I went out to the North End on Sunday and it was just full of people walking around and talking about the marathon.
I went to work today and everybody is in shock and speechless, but you could feel how much we care for one another. Bostonians are strong, resilient and helpful people.It shows through the acts of kindness of many people who jumped in to help those in need.
I am sorry if I haven’t expressed myself well or if I said anything that may have disrespected you.
Thanks, Amelia <3
@cmc-you and I have briefly talked about running around these boards–I had no idea you were doing the marathon. I hope this tragedy doesn't forever tarnish your amazing accomplishment and I hope after time, you can view Boston in a more positive light-without the dark cloud hovering over it. It really is a wonderful city.
@Miss M, my Boston sister-I completely understand everything you say here. The thing is that some people are comparing this to IEDs and terrorist bombings in other parts of the world but what they fail to consider is that the Boston Marathon is an INTERNATIONAL event that draws people from all over the world AND it’s an event that almost every person that lives in Massachusetts has attended at least once, most of us go every year. But how many of us have fought in Afghanistan or vacationed in Israel, Palestine or Nicaragua? It's easier for us to get shaken up by an experience that we closely identify with and I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of there.
I've spent 75% of my time in Boston on Boylston St and Copley-I lived in Fenway for 5 years and the gym that I've belonged to for 12 years is there. It's where the bars, restaurants and shops are and it is just mind-blowing to picture that area littered with limbs and debris. It's just hard for me to wrap my head around that because Copley Square is the vibrant and beautiful heart of our city-not a war zone. It's not to say that we shouldn't take this moment to think "Wow, some people see this every day" and to be thankful that this isn't our daily reality but that fact does not lessen the pain and sadness that we're all feeling right now.
…all day sirens and armed guards on literally EVERY block plus we still don't have this guy(s). It's frightening and sad.
I cannot read anymore of these articles! I’ve been welling up all day. I live just about a half hour outside Boston and it pains me so much to think that in the blink of an eye I could have lost someone in this tragedy. My deepest condolences to all involved. They definitely messed with the wrong city.
I used to live in Boston, and this is just awful.
That said, I’m sure Marky Mark thinks if he had been there, he would have prevented this.
My heart goes out to Boston and all those affected. The one truly amazing thing that came out of yesterday was all the incredible people who RAN TOWARDS the explosions to help those who were injured. It’s nice to know that in tragedy like this, there are still kind and self-less people.
“The one truly amazing thing that came out of yesterday was all the incredible people who RAN TOWARDS the explosions to help those who were injured.”
This is how Bostonians are: helpful and they care for one another. Boston is a beautiful city with incredible people. There is no way you live here and won’t fall in love with this city.
In any horrible event there are those who disregard their own safety to help others. We saw the same images here in NY with first responders running INTO the Twin Towers while others were running for their lives. It speaks about the human spirit and the American spirit. 🙂
I have been thinking of everyone in Boston and all Celebitchies affected by this, sending positive thoughts and good vibes from Down Under. Love and light.
Wahlberg the dooche, who would have saved all 9/11 passangers if only he was there?
Moron.
My heart goes out to Boston. I am from the NYC suburbs and believe me, NYC knows very well what you Bostonians are going through. I never in a million years thought something like this would ever happen in Boston. I love Boston, it is one my favorite cities in the world but I never viewed it as a terrorist target (if this was caused by terrorists, we don’t know at this point). When my mother changed jobs a few years ago and decided to take a job in Boston, I was so relieved because I thought she would be safer there (she worked in mid-town Manhattan for many years). By the grace of God, she was not in Boston on Monday (same thing on 9/11, she was not in NYC on that day either–she was on a business trip in Philly, very lucky woman). Her office building was closed because Patriot’s Day is a holiday in all of Massachusetts/really big in Boston. She comes home to NY on weekends and she decided to stay home in NY since she had Monday off anyways. Her office building (works right next to the John Hancock building for those of you familiar with Boston geography) is only blocks away from where the explosions occurred. Her office building will probably remain closed for the rest of the week because that whole area is probably being investigated. All of her coworkers have been accounted for. I also had a French cousin studying English in Boston for 3 months who was living just blocks from Copley. She flew home to Paris that very morning–I imagine my aunt and uncle in France hugged her a little tighter Monday night.
I hope everybody who frequents this site who has ties to Boston has contacted their loved ones and that they are all okay. Such a great city and we will stand by you through this dark time.
I can imagine how the people of Boston feel, we went through it here in NY. My thoughts and prayers go out to the deceased, those who were so horrifically injured, and the families. God Bless.
My husband went through school with and is still friends with the father of the 8 year old boy, Martin, who lost his life yesterday. Bill’s wife is also still in critical condition, as is his daughter. Bill was just crossing the finish line when Martin left the sidewalk and ran out into Boylston st. to congratulate his father. He then ran back to his mother and sister on the sidewalk while Bill ran on to register his time as the first explosion took place. He ran back and found Martin dead and heard his daughter screaming. He scooped her up and ran her to the ambulance. He didn’t notice until then that she was missing a leg. He ran back to the scene and crawled through the debris to try to find her leg, but wasn’t able to locate it… We’ve been in contact with Bill and I can only imagine the horror that he is going through with the loss of his son, and his wife and daughter still not out of the woods. Just an awful, awful tragedy.
We’re in Boston pretty regularly, and knew over a dozen people who either ran in the marathon, or were spectators. None of the other people that we knew were injured. So for that… I’m thankful. Please, if you live in New England, give blood. If you don’t live in New England, please consider giving blood in your own area. My heart aches for all of the families affected by this evil act. And I sincerely hope that the person/people responsible face justice. I wish I had the right words of comfort… Sometimes there just aren’t any right words.
As a parent, I cannot imagine what your husband’s friend is going through. I was terrified enough trying to get through to my best friend who was standing at the finish line waiting for another friend to finish. We are in VT near the Mass border, travel into Boston frequently as we have family that reside in Lincoln, and have always felt so safe in Boston. It is our favorite city Stateside because of its history, people, and energy. Please know that if there is anything we can do for your friend, we would. For now, we will pray for the son he lost, the wife/daughter who lived and for him as he grieves. Xoxo