2013 -- H 6013

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LC02438

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY FOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES AND

SUFFERED INJURIES DURING THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON TERRORIST ATTACK

AND HONORING THE BRAVERY OF THE POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS, EMERGENCY

MEDICAL PERSONNEL, FBI AND OTHER FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

PERSONNEL, AND MANY VOLUNTEERS WHO RISKED THEIR SAFETY IN THE

AFTERMATH OF THE BOMBINGS

     Introduced By: Representatives Fox, Mattiello, Newberry, E Coderre, and Ucci

     Date Introduced: April 23, 2013

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, It is with heavy hearts that we extend our profound sympathies to our

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neighbors in Massachusetts, fellow Rhode Islanders, and runners and onlookers from other parts

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of the United States and from throughout the world whose lives were tragically altered by the

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events of April 15, when a series of bombs went off during the Boston Marathon; and

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     WHEREAS, On April 15, 2013, at approximately 2:50 p.m., two bombs exploded on

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Boylston Street during the Marathon, killing and injuring innocent people; and

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     WHEREAS, What should have been a day of triumph and celebration turned instead to

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mayhem and unspeakable pain. In an instant, precious lives were lost and life-altering injuries

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sustained; and

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     WHEREAS, This cowardly act of terrorism reminds us all that there are those in our

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world who do not believe in our ideals of freedom and liberty. But the terrible events of April 15

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also remind us of what separates us from those evildoers. When this attack occurred, brave people

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stepped forward immediately to respond to those in need, running towards, not away from, the

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danger. These courageous individuals showed us all that at a moment of great fear and crisis they

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were willing to risk their own safety to offer aid to total strangers; and

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     WHEREAS, The response of law enforcement officials over the course of the next five

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days also demonstrated the steel-like resolve that underlies and strengthens our nation. The whole

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world watched as law enforcement personnel at the local, state, and federal levels worked

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together tirelessly to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Although the efforts of

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these officers and agents resulted in the successful tracking down of two individuals believed to

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be responsible for the heinous act, during the series of confrontations, many officers were fired

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upon and injured, and one officer made the ultimate sacrifice; and

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     WHEREAS, While the immediate threat stemming from the bombings has dissipated, the

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grieving period for families who lost their loved ones has just begun, and the healing process for

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those who were injured during the tragic events will remain an on-going reality; now, therefore be

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it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby expresses our profound sympathy for those who lost their lives and

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suffered injuries throughout the unfolding of the 2013 Boston Marathon terrorist attack. We also

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voice our collective outrage at the cowardly actions of those who perpetrated the attack and honor

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the bravery and heroism of the Boston police, Massachusetts State Police, area firefighters,

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emergency medical personnel, and volunteers as they rushed forward to help the victims of this

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terrible tragedy. We recognize, as well, the tremendous efforts of the law enforcement personnel--

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including the Watertown police and FBI investigators and forensic specialists involved in the

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final confrontation and apprehension--who simply would not rest until the suspects were no

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longer a threat to public safety; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That we urge all Rhode Islanders to take time to remember the families and

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friends of those who were killed, injured, and traumatized by the tragic events of the week of

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April 15. We also ask Rhode Islanders to support the work of those who are responsible for our

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public safety; and be if further

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     RESOLVED, That in the wake of this terrorist act, we encourage Rhode Islanders to

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stand up and demonstrate that the citizens of our great nation will not be intimidated or defined

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by these despicable acts of terrorism, will not cower in fear in the face of adversity and tragedy,

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and will continue to believe in, and fight for, the liberties and freedoms that have made the United

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States a beacon for the world; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to The Honorable Massachusetts Governor Deval

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Patrick, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Watertown Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll.

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LC02438

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