Boston and New York have always shared a special kinship. Sure, at times it seems like a bitter rivalry. Who will be the best? Which is number one? Yankees vs. Red Sox. South Street Seaport vs. Quincy Market. NYC Marathon vs. the Boston Marathon.

Beneath this nearly transparent tit-for-tat, though, is that which we have come to embrace in common bond. A profound sense of place, as thriving centers of finance, culture, education and civility. An abiding sense of self, ever vigilant but never fearful. An enduring sense of freedom, often put to the test, but just you try to dampen its spirit. Not on Patriots Day. Not ever.

We, the good people of New York and Boston, share that common decency. That concern for one another, for the well-being of our fellow man, that which finds us, invariably, running toward danger, to aid and assist, rather than away. That feeling in our collective gut, when senseless acts tear at our hearts, while our heads command us to walk on. We share the pain, the sorrow, the loss, the horror, and then, somehow, with whatever strength we can muster, we clear away the debris, rise from the rubble, and demonstrate remarkable resilience.

Today, wherever we may call home, we are all Bostonians. Standing tall, we go on living, believing, dreaming, and, yes, running in marathons, never cowering, never giving in, never surrendering that which defines our character, our courage, and our compassion, even in the face of unspeakable inhumanity.
- - -
From The Boston Globe: Runners and supporters share a bond of trust