They were crossing the finish line, many of them reveling in the achievement of a lifelong goal—when all hell broke loose. What followed was a horrifying scene of confusion and chaos that left three people dead and 267 injured.

Today is the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, one of the most heart-wrenching and harrowing days in American history. A celebratory day in Beantown—Patriot’s Day—violently disrupted by two individuals with ghastly plans to promote a ghastly socio-political agenda.

I vividly remember one of my friends in Boston posting on Facebook about ‘something terrible happening on Boylston Street’ and the disorder that enveloped the city for the next 48 hours. The entire situation unfolding just seemed surreal—and on the anniversary of such a tragic day, has still yet to be reconciled in the minds of many that it actually occurred.

Today we remember those who lost their lives, those who were seriously injured—and thank the first-responders who jumped to assist without a moment of hesitation. Their swift actions possibly prevented further casualties or events. I believe I speak for many when I say I hope another day like this never occurs again.