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Our hearts go out to all of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred on Monday. First and foremost, we think of those who were killed and injured. But beyond the horrific injuries, there are the families and friends of those killed and injured, the eyewitnesses who were just beyond the blast, and more families and friends that watched from a distance, waiting to hear that someone they loved was safe.

But what may have the most widespread impact is the toll it has taken on our perception of a true Massachusetts holiday- Patriot’s Day/Marathon Monday- a strong tradition in our area. It’s often a time when families and friends come together to enjoy the first big events of spring, whether watching a parade or cheering on the runners. And now, in years to come, there will be that moment of silence for the victims of…  Another moment of silence to add to a growing list of silent moments and remembrances for acts of incomprehensible violence on innocent bystanders in recent years. Runners will come back, people will still go to watch, but there will always be that reminder of April 15, 2013, when our Marathon Day became something else.

When I was editor at a former Stow paper years ago, Dr. Christina Hernon had written an account of her first time in the Marathon Medical tent. She has since returned each year to help in that tent, including this year. Nancy had the opportunity to speak with Christina and reports her eyewitness account of the hours spent treating the victims of the bombings.

We have tracked most of the runners from Stow and are happy to report that they are safe. On page 9 of our print edition, Nancy brings several accounts of Stow families who were at the Marathon.

Let’s hope and pray that we can stop adding Moments of Silence and Days of Remembrance to our calendars. In the innocent words of  8-year-old victim Martin Richard,  “No more hurting people. Peace.”

Cyndy Bremer, managing editor; [email protected]