Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Still Boston Strong
Sadly, we lost Krystal Marie Campbell, Lu Lingzi, Martin William
Richard, and MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.
Another 264 people were injured following the detonation of the two
bombs near the marathon’s finish line, many of whom lost limbs.
Today the Senate took action to commemorate that fateful day. First, at 2:49pm, we observed a moment of
silence during today’s formal session. At
2:49pm on April 15, 2013, the first of two homemade pressure cooker bombs
exploded, causing widespread terror and panic.
Secondly, the Senate unanimously approved today’s adjournment order in
honor of those who lost their lives due to the detonation of those bombs. Posted below is the actual adjournment order
offered:
Mr. Donnelly, Ms. Forry, Mr. Tarr and Mr. Rosenberg move that when the
Senate adjourns today it do so in memory of the victims of the Boston Marathon
bombings.
Exactly two years ago today, Krystle Campbell of Arlington, Martin
Richard of Dorchester and Lingzi Lu of Shenyang, China joined thousands of
others to cheer on runners at the finish line at the 117th Boston Marathon.
Minutes before 3:00pm, all three lives were tragically cut short by
explosions that shattered the festive and joyful atmosphere of that day.
Their lives, along with those who were injured, the first responders,
and families of those affected by this heinous act, were forever changed.
Days later, in the midst of an unprecedented manhunt, MIT Police
Officer Sean Collier of Wilmington lost his life in an unprovoked attack at the
hands of the same terrorists.
In the two years following those tragic and chaotic days, our
Commonwealth witnessed the pain endured by the families of Kystle, Martin,
Lingzi, Sean, and more than 260 people who were severely injured by the
bombings.
Though much was lost that day, what was gained is more telling of who
we are as a community: stories of perseverance in the face of insurmountable
loss, endurance in spite of suffering, and courage in the face of unspeakable
hardship.
These stories will withstand the test of time.
Though not even a guilty verdict can restore what was taken on April
15th, we hope that the families of those killed and those who were gravely
injured can take a small measure of comfort knowing that the people of the
Commonwealth stand strong with them - and the Commonwealth is stronger because
of them.
