Re-claiming the Marathon Spirit

As sport and spirit come together this Boston Marathon 2014, many feelings touch so many of us and send out messages of "Onward," "Forward," and "Hope for Peace" with a world energized with a simple guide -- treat others how you would want them to treat you. Now, I recall to mind, the speech delivered by President Obama last year after a terrorist attack set off bombs causing destruction, injuries on athletes and fans and spreading violence and fear throughout the city. Extracts of what the President said follows: It was a beautiful day to be in Boston. And then, in an instant, the day's beauty was shattered. But, we also come to gather today to reclaim that state of grace; to reaffirm that the spirit of this city and the spirit of this country shall remain strong. You've shown us, BOSTON, that in the face of violence, AMERICANS will lift up what's good. We will choose to save and to comfort and to heal. Anyone who does harm to our people ... we will hold them accountable, and yes, they will face justice. And every third Monday in April, the MARATHON welcomes people from all around the world-- a gathering of men and women of every race/ every religion/ every shape/ every size -- a multitude represented by all those flags that flew over the finish line. That's why a bomb can't beat us. We carry on. We strive. We build and we work and we love -- and we raise our kids to do the same. And this time on the third Monday in April, the world will return to this great American city to run harder than ever and cheer ever harder for the BOSTON MARATHON. Bet on it! MARATHON.