April 15 was to be a joyful day that would continue Boston’s long-held tradition of its storied marathon, a tradition that has seen more than 100 years of celebration and triumph. But in the days following, all that has been left behind are grim photos of blood-stained streets and weeping marathon runners flooding our media outlets around the country. Some have even compared the disaster to one of the worst times in American history: the dark and uncertain days of 9/11.

With at least three pronounced dead (one an 8-year-old child and another a graduate student at Boston University), the American people are scared, angry and determined to bring justice to whoever is guilty for the crime. If the horrible events of this year’s Boston marathon have taught us anything, it has shown us the power and scope messages of peace, love and solidarity can hold in times of misfortune.

There have been many examples of people around the country reaching out to share their empathy with the bombing victims. American flags have been flying at half-mast. On the evening of the marathon the Brooklyn Academy of Music projected the powerful Martin Luther King quote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that,” on the front of the Peter Jay Sharpe building. The quote was followed by the sign, “NY loves B” in the famous logos of the Boston Red Sox and the I Heart NY Tshirts. The Chicago Tribune also expressed their solidarity through a sports tribute, publishing a house ad with statements like “We are Chicago Red Sox” and “We are Chicago Celtics.” A famous quote from America’s beloved Mr. Rogers encouraging Americans to look to the good people extending a helping hand in times of gory news coverage has been popping up all over the Internet, and Twitter mentions of Boston from users expressing their support has increased by 200,000 percent. Twitter’s staff itself has decided to show support, promoting the #OneBoston hashtag for free—a service that would have cost $200,000.

The Boston tragedy has reached the hearts and minds of Fordham students and faculty as well. Numerous people in our community found themselves sending texts and phone calls to friends and family in the area. One Observer editor recalled feeling concerned for her father who happened to be at the airport nearby at the time. Another editor was relieved to hear that his friend attending Northeastern University intended on running in the marathon but changed his plans and avoided getting hurt. A few students told us they were instructed not to leave their dorm or go to New York City hotspots like Times Square and even the subway as a precaution.

As we reflect on the stories of our loved ones, classmates and professors impacted by the incident, it is important to keep in mind that no college (or city, for that matter) is an island. Our networks spread across the country and it is imperative in times of crisis that we continue to show our empathy for others, even when they are miles away. Xenophobic statements accusing Middle Eastern terrorists, racial minorities or immigrants that may have been at the bottom of the crime are now surfacing. But words founded upon hate and ignorance will not bring back the lives of those killed, nor will it heal the broken hearts of those innocent people that were injured.  What our country needs now is unity and a groundwork for using peace to combat violent acts, such as this one, for future generations.