I kept meaning to get round to starting this blog properly, but hadn’t done so, and sadly I now start doing so on a terrible note
My heart aches for the people of Boston, especially the friends and family of the dead and injured, in light of the Boston Marathon bombings.
I will never forget the images that appeared on my TV screen yesterday. They are images that will haunt me forever.
As a New Yorker of sorts – I don’t live in the city itself (I’m a Long Islander) but I go to school in Brooklyn – this brings back memories of 9/11. It may not have been on the same scale – thank God – but it’s a stark reminder to us all of the threats we face.
(NB: I would like to make it clear that, despite saying the Boston bombings have reminded me of 9/11, I am NOT speculating that this is Al-Qaeda. Nor am I speculating it was any kind of Islamic splinter group, it may be nothing to do with Islamic militants at all. It may be domestic terrorism. Some have suggested it may even be something to do with the North Korea situation (although I don’t believe this to be the case). Until someone claims responsibility, or a suspect is detained, speculation doesn’t help the situation. It just inflames it).
I was only six-years old when 9/11 happened, but I remember it clearly, because it was “my” city. Well today I’m not just a Long Islander and New Yorker, today I’m also a Bostonian, and I stand with the people of Boston at this dreadful time.
Today is one of those days where it doesn’t matter if we’re Democrat or Republican. It doesn’t matter what religion we are or indeed whether we don’t have one. It doesn’t matter if we’re rich or poor. It doesn’t matter if we’re black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American or any other color/creed. It doesn’t matter if we’re young or old, nor if we’re male or female. The only thing that matters today, is that we are AMERICANS, and we must stand together with the people of Boston.
And before I sign off, let us also not forget, that today marks six years since the Virginia Tech massacre, a day when 32 innocents were slain. So I’m not just an honorary Bostonian today, I’m also an honorary Hokie today, and thus I stand with the Virginia Tech community too. I will never forget.
I will sign off by saying two things.
1) We must not let the person (or people) behind this bombing stop us living our lives. We must be resilient and carry on our daily lives as we always would. If we allow terrorists to impact on our lives, and stop us doing the things we do, then they have won.
2) Events like the Boston bombing and Virginia Tech massacre hit home the importance of taking the time to let those we love that we love them. So take the time to tell the people you love, that you love them, and hug those who you can hug a little bit tighter tonight.
Thanks for reading.
Maggiezine 