Rob Long: Shook Our World
After the attacks of 9/11 the sports world decided to respectfully take a break. Our country was rocked by the events that occurred and box scores were the least of our concerns.
After some time to reflect and "huddle up," the games resumed and sports provided the escape that we needed. Jack Buck's speech before the St. Louis Cardinals game on September 17, 2001 made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Then, the games resumed and the healing began.
Fast forward to Monday, April 15, 2013. The Boston Marathon and Patriot Day was the backdrop. Thousands of people gathered in Boston for one of the country's largest marathons. It's a day of celebration. It's an outlet to many and a way to give back for some.
Four hours after the start of the event, an explosion took place near the finish line. Moments later, the second explosion. Over 100 people were injured and three died. The platform, sports, that usually allowed us to escape was now violated.
Since 9/11, security at sporting events had been heightened. Now, expect more. No one will ever participate in the Boston Marathon again without remembering what took place in 2013. Events such as these not only kill and injure immediately, but they rob us of our peace of mind for years to come.
