There is a great lesson here that the all should never forget.

Yesterday, I took a day off from work. I feel compelled to celebrate Patriots Day. The terrorist who attacked our 2013 Boston Marathon would want nothing more then to have people stay away and diminish the event. I am proud to have been part of a team that stood up to them after the attack and brought justice for the victims. I will continue to stand up to terrorist and those who seek to harm us. I hope to live my life fully with love and respect for all people and the United States of America without fear. Patriots' Day is an official state holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington & Concord, the first battles of the American Revolution and the start of American independence. I was filled with pride numerous times yesterday at various things I observed that I would like to share.

We started the day watching the Red Sox defeat the Devil Rays at Fenway Park . A great outing made even better by having the Team USA Women's Hockey team right with us. We left the game to cheer on some of the members of the Boston Police Runners' Club who were running the race and claiming our streets back from the Tsarnaev brothers and their supporters. I saw some great cops giving it their all out on the course. Commissioner Bill Evans returned to this years race to send a clear message that their attack failed in it's desire to change our way of life.

As we were waiting for BPD team members to run past. I was also looking for other's to cheer on including the Achilles Freedom Team on Wounded Veteran's. These athletes have literally given parts of their body for our ability to watch a ball game, cheer at a marathon and enjoy the freedom that we have. I saw a team member struggling up the hill before Kenmore Square. A Marine with one running blade carrying an American flag.

He was slowing down a bit and was struggling. I screamed out, "Team Achilles, Devil Dog, Thank You for what you did for us. Thanks for being here. You got 1 mile left Marine." He looked towards me smiled gave me a Semper Fi for a reply and began running again. That was an inspirational moment. It got even better as others in the crowd saw him and began shouting similar words of encouragement. A roar went up with people of all sizes, shapes, color and creeds cheering and showering him with praise and thanks. He crossed that finish line holding that flag high above his head. He finished with the cops led by their Commissioner. He finished along with tens of thousand's of runners. Some running for records most running for others. He inspired all who ran and all who watched. He reminded us all that freedom isn't free. His image showed that no matter your circumstances or your setbacks you can do anything you set your mind to.

Some athletes may want to take a knee during during a sporting event as our national anthem is played and our flag is honored. That is their God given right which, I and others are willing to lay down our lives to protect if necessary. Yesterday I saw a Marine with our flag who gave his knee for their right to take one.

Credit: Christopher Evans

Jose Sanchez, 33, of San Antonio, Texas, waves an American flag as he cross the finish line during the 121st Boston Marathon in Boston on Monday, April 17, 2017. Staff photo by Christopher Evans