Solidarity Man versus Myth
As we all still try to understand the senseless deaths in Paris, and know that it touched people everywhere, those who lost loved ones, those who simply understand the pain of losing someone is such a horrific act, and all those who grieve for the world, one thing stands, solidarity for the world.
The French national team certainly stood tall and proud as they stepped into Wembley Stadium to play England and try to console a nation that is in mourning, and a world that stands with them. The team manager, Didier Deschamps said that on Friday night around the Stade De France as we defeated Germany explosions rocked the stadium and as the world watched the attacks unfolded. Both teams stayed inside the stadium until early the following morning so they could safely be taken out. Sporting events unite people, they know no color, no religion and no borders. The best sign of diversity coming together is in sports.
The Boston Marathon bombing survivors shared reflections on why they are standing with France and how traumatic events bring nations together. Showing that we are not afraid and that we stand together united and strong is what we all have to do in this time of tragedy. This is not only a problem for France, or for the United States, this is a problem for the world. The dangers we face will not go away, the solution is not fear, the answer for this senseless violence is solidarity for us all. Today we are all French, as on 9/11 we were all Americans. Like one Native American Chief said over 100 years ago: “Better to die standing than live on one's knees.”
More than a million people stood Sunday with Paris, 40 presidents and prime ministers, all representing a stand against this extremism that terrorists bring. We all know there are no answers to ending these attacks of violence. Understanding, trying to prevent and working together for peace is all we can do. Marathoners have worked since the Boston bombings to fight back, more people are training and running, working hard to keep a tradition alive. A year has passed and while there is new security in place, more guards and police present, there is never a guarantee of safety. Visibility, standing together, everyone focused on safety, that is how the world has to react, not just on race day, but everyday of our lives. Tradition will stand strong in every country, at every event, and through pain, tears and memories we will each train to run again. We must all find in ourselves the “Boston strong” as we continue to survive the war that has been waged on all of us, a war that we didn't ask them to bring, and yet one that we all have been brought into. As death touched innocent lives as it does with every war our hearts cry out for peace, and all we can do is continue to strive for unity, strive for solidarity.