"Because I love that dirty water
Oh, oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)" - Dirty Water by The Standells
It's a state holiday today, Patriot's Day ... The marathon "starts" begin at 9am, the Red Sox always play an early game, 11am, and the city is teaming with people from all over the world. There is a celebratory atmosphere and always a wonderful day to just BE in Boston.
Two bombs exploded, designed to cause horrific injuries and death and successful and reports that another one was found and detonated.
We are stunned. No one knows for sure who did this and why, could be some crazy individual, could have been some group with political motivations - or even an international terrorist- however there is no one claiming responsibility.
So far three are dead, one an eight-year-old child. The reporters are telling us it will be surprising if more don't make it through the night because of the hundreds injured, several are suffering injuries that are described as "grave."
There is one image from the videos that I can't shake - yellow balloons that were released just as the bomb went off, and I imagine them being held by a child... as smoke and shrapnel fly they just climb up into the sky.
I grew up close to Boston. I went to college there and lived in two of it's iconic neighborhoods. I love Boston and get into the city as often as I can.
My husband drives about 60+ miles each way to work in Boston at least five days a week installing windows and storefronts and revolving doors etc.
He had a job recently at 60 State Street in the financial district area - he had to start at 4am because the contractor wanted the work done before people were coming into the building for the day. The reward for starting early was this sunrise. He took this photo with his android phone. When the President spoke today, I thought of this photo.
Apparently one bomb was found, unexploded, under the grandstand where VIPs were seated at the finish line. And in that grandstand were parents, friends and family members of the Sandy Hook massacre.
Adding further heartbreak to utter tragedy, the last mile of Monday's Boston Marathon, which was rocked by at least two explosions resulting in an unknown number of injuries and casualties Monday afternoon, was dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting massacre. Boston Athletic Association president Joanne Flaminio said before the race that had a "special significance" because it was 26.2 miles long and there was 26 victims in the Newtown attack. There was also a group of Newtown parents running as part of a group called Team Newtown Strong who were raising money for local charities.
Boston has now been touched by the worst type of violence. We will recover, we will persevere.
But no matter what anyone says; call it whatever you want, but as far as we're concerned Boston has been touched by terrorism, because we always knew it might happen --that worry has always been hovering in the back of our minds - but now we know it HAS happened and that it CAN happen, here and that instills terror.
My husband is going to work tomorrow, less than a mile from where people were killed in two bombings in "Downtown Boston" on a day when the city was at its best, sparkling and proud.
I can't believe this has happened in Boston.
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The Boston Globe has a great resource for updates and photos like this one here.
This photo is from those the updates and many more photos here.
from the Boston Globe - they have an incredible collection of photos that just show the horror of the day.
From President Obama's press conference:
The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight. And Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.
We don’t yet have all the answers. But we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon.
I’ve spoken to FBI Director Mueller and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano, and they’re mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond.
I’ve updated leaders of Congress in both parties, and we reaffirmed that on days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats -- we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens.
I’ve also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino, and made it clear that they have every single federal resource necessary to care for the victims and counsel the families. And above all, I made clear to them that all Americans stand with the people of Boston.
Boston police, firefighters, and first responders as well as the National Guard responded heroically, and continue to do so as we speak. It’s a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day, without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.
We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake -- we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.
Today is a holiday in Massachusetts -- Patriots’ Day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation. And it’s a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.
You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings. We're still in the investigation stage at this point. But I just want to reiterate we will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.
Thank you very much.
And the unofficial anthem:
Dirty Water by The Standells
(Spoken:)
I'm gonna tell you a story
I'm gonna tell you about my town
I'm gonna tell you a big bad story, baby
Aww, it's all about my town
Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles (aw, that's what's happenin' baby)
That's where you'll find me
Along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves (aw, but they're cool people)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, you're the Number One place)
Frustrated women (I mean they're frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o'clock (oh, that's a shame)
But I'm wishin' and a-hopin, oh
That just once those doors weren't locked (I like to save time for
my baby to walk around)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)
Because I love that dirty water
Oh, oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)
Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Baw-stun)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the Strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I'm the man, I'm the man)
I love that dirty water (Owww!)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on)