Hundreds take in Pres. Obama's message of hope in Boston

BOSTON (WITI) -- President Barack Obama spoke in Boston on Thursday, April 18th, as the city is still reeling from two explosions that went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday. President Obama's message wasn't just for Bostonians -- but for all Americans.

Hundreds showed up to catch a glimpse of President Obama, and also to share the moment with others.

"My brother was in the marathon, so it's very difficult for a lot of people," one woman told FOX6 News.

Inside a Boston cathedral, President Obama tried to ease the ache and lonely feeling people seem to have -- and tried to help people make sense of what happened on Monday.

"As you begin this long journey of recovery, your city is with you, your commonwealth is with you, your country is with you. We will all be with you as you learn to stand and walk and, yes, run again. I have no doubt you will run again," President Obama said.

Alyssa Krietzler came down to hear President Obama speak with her two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. The children don't know what happened, but she felt they could still learn a lesson.

"See a little bit of history and just reiterate that there are good people to help us," Krietzler said.

"For millions of us, what happened on Monday is personal. It's personal," President Obama said.

In Boston, FOX6 News spotted a sign reading: "Boston strong" with inspiration launching from each letter.

"It's a positive message not just for Bostonians, but for all Americans," one man said.

FOX6's Brad Hicks spoke with a man from Sweden who came down on Wednesday to catch a glimpse of President Obama. He ran the race, and finished 20 minutes before the first explosion. He said never in his life has he ever met such amazingly kind people as he has this week in America.