April 18, 2013
After two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing three and wounding at least 144, our country was put at a loss for words. The worst terror attack in the U.S. since September 11, 2001, this tragedy feels impossible for anyone—from those personally affected to those professionally responding—to explain.
If Hamiltonians are said to live in “a bubble” on the Hill, a tragedy like this, which shakes our nation to its core, breaks that illusion and rubs soap in all of our eyes. Multiple members of the College community—students, alumni and at least one employee—participated in the race. Thankfully, none were seriously harmed, however one alumnus was injured near the finish line and was recently released from the hospital. The common joke on campus that half of our students are “from just outside Boston” suddenly feels heartbreaking rather than humorous.
Last night, the College held a candlelit vigil to honor those affected by the tragedy. Students gathered outside the Chapel at 10 p.m. and walked to the Kirner-Johnson Circle in complete silence. In times like these, as news networks recycle horrifying clips, images of victims and every shard of information available, silence seems to speak louder—and more respectfully—than words.
Accordingly, we will keep this editorial short. We believe that we can vouch for the campus when we say, all Hamiltonians stand for Boston, especially those who were at the Marathon, those who are from “just outside the city” and those who have personal connections to the event. What happened on Monday is unspeakable, but we have faith that the city will rise even stronger, as was the case with New York City in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. When one of our communities is knocked down, the rest of the country is there to help lift it up. Likewise, for anyone suffering from the tragedy on the Hill, all Hamiltonians are by your side.
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