With tears in my eyes I watched the crowds cheering the police, FBI, and others after capturing the second suspect in the Boston Marathon terrorist bombing incident.  They all did a magnificent job, as did the first responders, Boston Athletic Association volunteers, and my fellow citizens.

This is 2013, a time in America much different than December, 1967 when I remember standing outside the Prudential Center in Boston, wearing my U.S. Air Force uniform upon returning from Thailand to the Chelsea Naval Hospital.   On that day I was spat upon while waiting for a friend to pick me up and take me to my folks’ house, after being hospitalized for two weeks in Japan and serving my country for four months during the Viet Nam War.

Today we are proud of our military and of our police.  As we should be.  They have given us good reason to cheer, especially as we mourn the senseless loss of our neighbors and wish those who survived a speedy recovery.  Words are inadequate to describe the injustice and pain they have endured and will live with forever.

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©  2013  Steven M. Stroum