Barack Obama

Boston Interfaith Service Speech

Delivered 19 April 2013

"On Monday morning, the sun rose over Boston...On this Patriot’s Day, like so many before, fans jumped onto the T to see the Sox at Fenway. In Hopkinton, runners laced up their shoes and set out on a 26.2-mile test of dedication and grit and the human spirit. And across this city, hundreds of thousands of Bostonians lined the streets -- to hand the runners cups of water and to cheer them on."

"And then, in an instant, the day’s beauty was shattered. A celebration became a tragedy. And so we come together to pray, and mourn, and measure our loss."

"Our prayers are with the injured -- so many wounded, some gravely. From their beds, some are surely watching us gather here today. And if you are, know this: as you begin this long journey of recovery, your city is with you. Your commonwealth is with you.  Your country is with you. We will all be with you as you learn to stand and walk and, yes, run again. Of that I have no doubt.  You will run again. You will run again."

"And this time next year, on the third Monday in April, the world will return to this great American city to run harder than ever, and to cheer even louder, for the 118th Boston Marathon.  Bet on it."

"Tomorrow, the sun will rise over Boston.  Tomorrow, the sun will rise over this country that we love.  This special place.  This State of grace."