[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2201-S2202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS OF THE BOSTON MARATHON
BOMBINGS
Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, 2 years ago today, the people of Boston
came face-to-face with terror at the finish line for the Boston
Marathon. The cowardly attack and its aftermath took four lives,
injured many more, and forever changed the lives of the survivors and
their families.
In the face of this horrific terrorist attack, Boston responded with
courage and community. Our heroic first responders acted swiftly and
their bravery saved many lives.
In the days, weeks, and months after the marathon, families and
friends came together to lift each other up, to raise the spirit of our
city, and to help us heal.
Now, 2 years later, Boston continues to move forward together. A jury
just reached a verdict that is another step toward justice for victims
and for their families. The strength and perseverance of survivors
continues to inspire us, and our community works to keep alive the
memories of Krystle Campbell, Lu Lingzi, Martin Richard, and Sean
Collier.
[[Page S2202]]
Recently, Mayor Marty Walsh announced the city of Boston will now
recognize April 15 as One Boston Day. One Boston Day is a chance to
honor the victims and survivors of the marathon bombing and an
opportunity for people to give back to the community through acts of
service. This day helps us remember that in the face of tragedy and
violence, our community responds with an open heart.
Next Monday, tens of thousands of people from across the Nation and
around the world, once again, will come to Massachusetts for the 2015
Boston Marathon. Our Commonwealth, once again, will commemorate
Patriots' Day with reenactments, baseball, parades, and celebrations.
Today, as we mark One Boston Day and the second anniversary of the
attack at the Boston Marathon, we recall the spirit of strength and
resilience that brought our city and our Commonwealth together, the
same spirit of strength and resilience that helps us heal.
As a tribute to honor the victims and survivors of the attack at the
2013 Boston Marathon, I ask my colleagues to join Bostonians in a
moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. today.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Massachusetts.
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I would like to join Senator Warren and
the rest of the Senate in observing a moment of silence in honor of the
victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
The people of the United States will always remember the victims of
the previous acts of terrorism that have occurred in the United States
and will always stand together as one people. Two years ago today,
three innocent people were killed and hundreds injured in two bombings
that occurred during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon. On the
happiest day in Boston, Patriots' Day, two bombs detonated by the two
evil men took lives, limbs, and livelihoods away. That day, we lost
Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy from Dorchester; Krystle Campbell,
from Arlington; and Lu Lingzi, who came to the United States from
China; and 232 innocent people were also wounded in the bombings.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Officer Sean Collier, of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology police force, was assassinated by
the two twisted individuals who bombed our city. Officer Collier wasn't
just protecting the best and the brightest minds, he was the best and
brightest, an impressive and loved officer who has been greatly missed
on campus and in our community.
I want to express my deepest thanks to all of the men and women in
law enforcement in Massachusetts and around the Nation for their
unwavering determination, courage, and resolve to bring to justice
those responsible for the Boston Marathon bombings. We were ``Boston
Strong'' because we were Boston ready, with the best training and
personnel available to save lives and to seek justice.
Many others responded decisively: the citizens of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, fire and rescue workers, caregivers, Armed Forces, and
thousands more who, through their many expressions of care and
compassion, brought forth comfort, hope, and the promise of recovery.
Today, under the leadership of Mayor Marty Walsh, the city of Boston
is turning April 15 into a new tradition, honoring the resilience,
generosity, and strength called One Boston Day. As Mayor Walsh said,
``It's a day everyone should come together, spread goodwill throughout
the city and recommit ourselves to our deepest values.''
Mayor Walsh is right. This is a day for the citizens, businesses, and
organizations in the city of Boston to display their humanity and draw
neighbors together.
Thank you, Mayor Walsh, for helping all of us understand that the
compassion and support we all felt that day should never be forgotten
but instead should be a part of our lives every single day.
May the light of One Boston Day shine as an example of how our Nation
responds to times of crisis.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will now
observe a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Boston
Marathon bombings.
(Moment of silence.)
Mr. ENZI. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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