City Plans Prayer Vigil for Campbell on Wednesday

The following statement was released by the office of Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn on Tuesday:

Mayor Michael J. McGlynn today expressed sincere sympathy for all of the Boston Marathon victims and their families.

“It is my prayer that God will extend a healing touch to those families that have been affected by this horrible act and that those we have lost will be received into the peace that only God can bring.”

He also denounced the hate of the bombers, who inflicted grave carnage and fear upon those attending the Marathon.

“The citizens of Medford stand with the citizens of Boston and the citizens of the world during these days of mourning. The Marathon, gives us the opportunity to celebrate together the very beginnings of our great Nation on Patriots Day. As President Obama stated earlier today, ‘If you want to know who we are, what America is, how we respond to evil … it’s selflessly, compassionately, and unafraid. The American People refuse to be terrorized’,” said Mayor McGlynn.

Medford, sadly, lost one of our own, Krystal Campbell, a 2001 graduate of Medford High School. Krystal was cheering on the runners when she died instantly during the bombing. She was known for being outgoing, fun loving, and had tremendous passion and energy. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Krystal was born and grew up in Medford, but now resides in Arlington. She will be sorely missed by her dear family and friends.

We in Medford pledge to help our friends in Boston in anyway we can in the pursuit of those who caused this massive destruction and deaths. We commend those who responded immediately to help the victims: law enforcement, fire personnel, EMS and ordinary citizens.

The strength of America is that we will not be diminished by those who seek to destroy us, but we will emerge from the suffering and loss with a deepening of confidence in our freedoms and way of life.

I know all of Medford’s thoughts and prayers are with the all the victims and their families and we are determined to do whatever we can to assist law enforcement officials in bringing these criminals to justice. As the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., stated: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

The City of Medford, in conjunction with the Medford Clergy Association, will host a prayer vigil tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17th at 6 PM at the Grace Episcopal Church, 160 High Street in Medford, for all of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.