#PrayForBoston

The senseless violence this country has experienced over the past year shows how important it is for its people to join together. Between the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting and the Dark Knight Shooting in Aurora, Colorado, America has understood the importance of sticking together.

After yesterday’s tragedy in Boston it is clear the nation realizes the necessity to band together for a greater good. The response to the bombs by the crowd at the finish line was remarkable; instead of people running from the explosion they ran towards it. Many of the participants continued running through the finish line to Mass General Hospital, the nearest hospital, to give blood to the victims.

In an instant so many lives were changed. According to the Boston Police Department there were 176 victims, 17 in critical condition, and 3 dead. The heroic acts of these civilians unquestionably barred the death toll from being vastly worse.

The horrendous acts of violence that occurred yesterday were appalling but those who rushed to help and aide in the prevention of more deaths were truly inspirational. The world needs more heroes like these individuals who made a free choice to place themselves in possible danger in order to help others.

The fact that ordinary people jumped in when they could speaks greatly to the character and spirit of Americans in general. Tragedies such as this reveal the true character of our nation and what it takes to be a hero. The people who are willing to risk their lives for the sake of others are what should motivate and bring us together as a nation.

The Boston Marathon is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious races with over 20,000 participants. Held on Patriot’s Day, this year the race honored the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary. Police officers, firefighters, local civilians and marathon participates all came together yesterday to help the victims of this horrible tragedy. Joe Andruzzi, a retired New England Patriots offensive lineman, was one of the day’s strongest heroes.

In response to the bombings, the tent set up that catered to exhausted runners was transformed into a trauma clinic ran by volunteers and various medical personnel.

Despite all of the terror and loss as a result of the Boston Marathon bombings, people have responded with immense amounts of bravery. Time and resources were sacrificed and incredible amounts of valor and strength were displayed during this time of desperation.

The compassion and courage of the human spirit were beyond exemplified. Those who ran towards the dying and injured represent the finest and most noble qualities of a person. The world needs more people like these heroes.

In times of tragedy many people resort to social media to express their concerns and feelings. Twitter has had #PrayForBoston trending ever since news of the bombings was released. Public prayer domains are available to offer condolences to people baffled by this catastrophe.

In times like these, it is incredible to see how people from all over are stopping what they are doing to offer their support and assistance. The use of social media platforms has been helpful for people seeking seek solace.

“We still don’t know who did this or why,” Obama said, “Make no mistake: We will get to the bottom of this.”

A day that was meant to celebrate the country’s revolutionary history has now been marred. April 15, 2013 will now go down in history as another awful tragedy. Similar to the after effects felt by NYC residents on 9/11, how will the people of Boston regain their sense of security, especially since the source of the attack has not yet been discovered?

Conspiracy theories are inherent after acts of violence, so it should come to no surprise that these are currently circulating the Internet. Historically speaking, the most violent attacks in our country have occurred mid-April, which begs the question why? Is it because this is around Patriot’s Day? Or is it something else entirely?

The FBI’s siege of the Waco Compound (which resulted in 76 fatalities) occurred on April 19, 1993, The Virginia Tech Massacre took place on Patriot’s Day on April 16, 2007, The Oklahoma City Bombing transpired on April 19, 1995, and the mass shooting at Columbine High School took place on April 20, 1999.

Further expanding on conspiracy theories, April 15, 2013 was America’s tax day and Israel’s Independence Day. In coincidental situations such as these you must consider every variable that may have contributed to this destruction.

Until we know who was responsible for this and why, it is difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the situation, especially since we do not know if this was a foreign or domestic matter. Regardless of who is responsible for this terrible act, one thing remains clear: the world needs more heroes.

Here at EliteDaily, our thoughts and prayers go out to those effected in Boston.

Ashley Fern | Elite.