by Spencer Coursen, Coursen Security Group
With heavy hearts, we all watched the news yesterday as violence erupted in Boston. As horrific as this incident proved to be, we should be thankful it was not worse. The bombs exploded three hours after the winner had crossed the finish line, had the timing been different, the circumstances could have been much worse. In the coming hours and days we will learn more about this vicious attack and lessons will be learned on how we can better protect ourselves in the future. As we wait for answers and prepare ourselves for what may come next, I find my heavy heart lifted, as the community of Boston came together in their time of Crisis.
Videos uploaded to twitter, and other social media outlets tell the tale. Moments after the first blast, and even during the second blast, first responders including police, fire, military, civilian, journalists and even marathon runners, rushed to the aid of the injured. There were even reports of some runners continuing straight on to the local hospitals to donate blood after they had just run the race. Shop owners opened their doors offering safe haven, and free food, and as I listened to the radio channels of emergency responders, they were calm and confident in their knowledge of what needed to be done, as “No man fears that which he knows he does well.” (Duke of Wellington)
Social media also played an important role in serving the community of Boston. Twitter led families to find loved ones displaced in the chaos, encouraged witnesses to come forward and share video they may have on their phones with the authorities.
In every crisis, the first rule of safety to is get somewhere safe. But when the immediate threat is over, the return to normal is quickly recovered when the community comes together to rise above their fear, and act as American’s act - like those did in Boston - in their time of need.
Gone from tomorrow are the fears of today, as each day brings new challenges for us to face, and overcome, and conquer.
So say we all...