A bomb at an event that brings people together from all over the world. Patriot's Day. The Boston Marathon. A Red Sox game. All major celebrations in a city already known for another massacre, long ago.

Who was the target? The American running for the sheer joy of an event? The African who runs for the proud legacy of his people? Or was it the Muslim, oblivious to the voices of extremism—just happy to be taking part in an event that honors freedom and patriotism. All faiths and all nationalities were represented on this day.

What happened in Boston is shocking. We live in an age where those who hate can attack at will. An event like the Boston Marathon is impossible to fully protect from such an act. 

What happened in Boston shows us that many other similar events are vulnerable. Anyone bent on making a statement about their worldview, their political ideology or religious faith can create a weapon, however crude, and set it off in the midst of a crowd.

What happened in Boston reminds us how fragile our times of peace really are. It is dangerous world and the thin veneer of civility can be pierced at any moment.

Boston is a unique city. It is the cradle of the American Revolution. Gritty, raucous and proud is the legend of the city. Don't look for the town to cower in fear. That's not the Boston way. They will recover and look for another marathon to be run next year on the third Monday in April. 

What happened in Boston, I suspect, will be a wake up call. Fear will not win out.