Message from Boston

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you so very much for reaching out to us during the devastating attack on the marathon on Monday. We are still traumatized by the events of the day, without a doubt the manifestation of my worst nightmare during my career at the BAA.

Please continue to pray for those victims killed and injured, as well as their families and friends. It\'s going to a very long road back for so many.

Most of us with a long history here feel as if we have been personally attacked, our famous event wounded. The long term ramifications will be many and far-reaching, the terror game has taken a new and vile route.

Some of the hallmarks of the Boston Marathon are determination, perseverance and resiliency. Those attributes took on new meaning Monday afternoon, when the race itself became instantly unimportant, and humanity took over in the form of the BAA volunteers, medical team and first responders. It is absolutely clear to me that having over 1,000 medical and security personnel on site saved countless more lives, the injuries were that horrific. Heroes and heroic deeds were everywhere.

I shudder to think about all those years my whole family was at the finish line, and this year leaving my cell phone at a reception causing me to leave the grandstand early to get it...a reminder that life is indeed precious and fragile.

It is a national security issue as you know, with our beautiful finish area dubbed \'the most complex crime scene\' in the history of the Boston Police Dept. The BAA is working to assist in any way we can, attend to the medical status of the injured and beginning to formulate plans and responses for the thousands of runners who could not finish.

I am buoyed by the response of the public and the runners themselves, most of whom vowed to be back, stronger than ever, and that is the attitude of everyone associated with this great event. Fear and confusion is slowly turning to determination and anger, and with God\'s help justice will be served and the injured comforted and healed.

I look forward to seeing you all again, and I thank you again for your support and prayers, please keep them coming for the victims and our country.

Guy Morse
(Former Executive Director, having retired in December, after 28 years)