Vice President Joseph R. Biden on Tuesday hailed Bostonians who helped each other recover from the marathon bombings that rocked their city one year ago, calling them an inspiration to the world and proof that Americans will never back down from adversary.
“My God, you survived and you have soared,” he told a large audience that had gathered to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the act of terror near the race’s finish line.
The event, which also featured Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and former Mayor Thomas Menino, was the cornerstone of numerous acts of remembrance one year to the day after the pair of bombings killed three and wounded scores more.
One of the brothers accused of the bombings, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, died during the manhunt in the days that followed, while his brother Dzhokhar is awaiting trial.
But leaders who spoke Tuesday turned their focus to racers, bystanders and first responders who rushed to help one another in the chaotic aftermath of the bombings.
Mr. Biden said their personal stories send a message to people who wish the United States harm and want to instill fear.
“America will never, ever stand down,” he said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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