There was a wonderful thread started earlier on this subject, but when middle eastern resentments surfaced and it rightfully became a bone of contention, it was removed. It was so corrupted that there was really little option except to take it down.

 

However, it would not be right for this community not to express its feelings and horror about this act of terror, no matter the origin or misguided aims of the murderers. I think that it would be wrong for any anti-US belligerent to make us take the subject off the table so here is a new thread for those who need to express their grief, sorrow, and condolences.

 

Warning:

 

Do not bring any anti-US or its allies agenda to this topic or forum, or we will ban you immediately without any other warning, remedy or regret.

 

Kind regards,

 

 

 

Aha, eight hours later, that explains where my topic starter went. No sweat.

Sorrow and grief are brought by humans murdering humans. Who's murdering who doesn't change that fact.

 

 

 

EDIT:

 

Wish I could change my signature within the confines of this topic.

Edited April 16, 201313 yr by olli4740

My condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected worldwide. This act has a loss of innocence air about it that brings its own kind of sorrow.

 

Kind regards,

My condolences to my friends, the people of Boston in this terrible time. The world stands with you right now.

Sincere condolences to the  people impacted by this tragic and senseless event!

 

What a terrible tragedy, my thoughts go out to the people of Boston.

Boston is the sister city of Melbourne. We feel their grief at this cruel act.

To every one caught up by this despicable heinous act in Boston, my thoughts and well wishes go out to you at this time

I have an affinity with America and it's citizens. My brother moved to the US twenty five years ago, the first 15 he lived on the outskirts of Boston. I have visited several times and think it's a wonderful city, one which I would love to return to. My condolences go out to all who have been affected by this dispicable, vile and cowardly act and hope that the victims can somehow find the strength to survive. I cried today as I heard about the little boy who was one of the two poor souls who lost their lives. He was killed shortly after seeing his father in the race. Life can be so rich with love and beauty, but yet we are constantly reminded of how the good things in life are taken from us in the time it takes to switch off a light bulb. God bless to all...

My thoughts go out too to this tragedy.  At the same time my heart is glad to read about all the caring that took place, such as the runners who made blood donations and those who helped the injured.  Out of sadness comes demonstrations of love, and that's always good to see.

 

John

Having lived in Boston for a long time and with many friends who've run in it, the Boston Marathon is very close to my heart. For those who don't know, the Marathon is always held on Patriots' Day which is very much like a religious holiday in Massachusetts. It was always a day off from school or work. Hundreds of thousands line the course to support the competitors. Each year we'd pick a different spot along the route to hang out, pass water to the runners, and generally just goof-off and enjoy the camaraderie and spirit of the event. Who can forget Bill Rodgers' four wins in '75, '78, '79 and '80, or Geoffrey Mutai's stunning victory in 2011 with the fastest marathon time in history? Does anyone here remember the year Rosie Ruiz "won" the women's division in 1980 by hopping on a Green Line trolley for a good portion of the tail end of the race? We laughed, we cried, we cheered not only the winners but also the many runners who painfully hobbled across the finish line 3 hours later. So many unforgettable people and so many great times.

 

But, given the multiple heads of extremism these days, I suppose what happened in Boston yesterday was simply inevitable -- in fact, I actually expected it would happen sooner. The world gets smaller and smaller, and although we Americans often prefer to live in a kind of fantasy that the long-reach of terror will never again violate fortress America, Boston has powerfully reminded us that, like the rest of the world, we are as vulnerable here as anywhere else.

 

It's such a tragedy on so many levels, the most grievous of course for those killed and wounded as well as their families and friends. That healing of bodies and minds will take a very long time. And also tragic is that this incredible event, this annual peaceful celebration of the best in us has lost its innocence. It will also take a very long time, if ever, for us to forget the horrific scenes we witnessed yesterday, and for the Marathon to no longer be a day of sorrowful remembrance.

 

So, tonight I feel many different things. I'm enraged that there are people who are apparently incapable of making a statement without slaughtering innocents. I'm heartbroken for those acutely impacted by this insane cruelty. I'm saddened that the Boston Marathon may never again in my lifetime be quite the same pure and joyous celebration of the human spirit conquering exhaustion and pain.

 

And yet, despite all of this, I'm also feeling hopeful -- hopeful that everyone whose hearts are warmed by this awesome event, runners and spectators alike, will give a powerful middle-finger to terrorism by coming out next year and the following year and the year after that to demonstrate that what's good in humanity will ultimately emerge from this and countless other traumas victorious over the chaos and destruction that extremism represents.

 

One last thought: An hour or so ago I saw for the first time a picture of Martin Richard, 8, who didn't survive yesterday's carnage. There is a photo of him taken recently holding a sign that says "no more hurting people.". I believe that little Martin's four short words eloquently express the sentiments of peace loving peoples everywhere. For sure this was an American tragedy, but I think most anyone with any feeling, no matter where they come from, reacts with the same outrage to pictures of Syrian, Afghan, Iraqi, Irish, Israeli and Palestinian children similarly cut down by hatred and intolerance. Wherever extremism gains a foothold, children and other innocents will suffer its atrocities. In the days and months and years ahead following on the horror in Boston, we will not only weep for our own but for all of them.

 

Remember Boston 2013

 

 

 

I cried today as I heard about the little boy

Same here, Howard. Last night just before retiring, I asked inwardly, why is Fate so cruel? What had that little boy done to deserve this? Here we are in this hobby that unites us across the globe in thoughts towards the people of Boston, asking when PMDG will release updates, etc or make this and that aircraft. Sadly, this tragedy makes our hobby here pale into insignificance. Yet, I thanked Fate for keeping a friend in Dubai with a 6-month old baby as she rushed out of her apartment as the earthquake on the Iran-Pakistan border reached Dubai safe as her building quivered.

 

That's a tough one seeing this photo of him