On the day after the Boston terror attack, the greater Boston community learned more about those whose lives were lost.
The three people killed in Monday’s dual explosions at the finish line of the prestigious Boston Marathon are identified as a third-grader from Dorchester, a 29-year old from Medford, Massachusetts and a Boston University student.
Eight-year-old Martin Richard was killed from the blast as he was watching the race with his parents and two siblings. His mother, Denise, and sister Jane are continuing to recover with very serious injuries.
Thousands of people filled a park in Dorchester, Massachusetts to pray for the Richard family, who residents described as being very community-oriented.
The loss of the friendly Little Leaguer left parents and classmates asking, Why?
“It’s confusing,” said Veronica Phillips, who was in Richard’s First Communion class at St. Ann’s Church in town. “I don’t know why this world is so cruel.”
Boston’s largest neighborhood congregated for the half-hour vigil at Garvey Park.
Candles were raised and small American flags waved as the close-knit community described their shock to those from national and international media.
Following the service, led by Fr. John Connolly of nearby St. Brendan’s Church, the crowd spontaneously broke into a rendition of “God Bless America.”