WE ARE STRONG

(CNN) -- Two bombs struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, turning a celebration into a bloody scene of destruction.

Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said Monday night that the death toll had risen to three. Scores were injured at the scene.

One of the dead was an 8-year-old boy, according to a state law enforcement source.

Hospitals reported at least 144 people are being treated, with at least 17 of them in critical condition and 25 in serious condition. At least eight of the patients are children.

At least 10 people injured had limbs amputated, according to a terrorism expert briefed on the investigation.

Several of the patients treated at Massachusetts General Hospital suffered injuries to lower limbs that will require "serial operations" in the coming days, trauma surgeon Peter Fagenholz said Monday night. Some injuries were so severe amputations were necessary, Fagenholz added.

I'm always amazed by Americans.  Average, normal, everyday people who become extraordinary in horrible situations.  Bombs will still be set and sadly people will still be hurt and people will still die, but no one can stop heroes from coming forward and making a difference.  No one can stop Americans from helping each other, supporting each other, and overcoming tragedy together.

   

It is reported that some troops ran the Boston Marathon in full military gear weighing over 60 pounds.  When the explosions happened, the troops immediately started treating the wounded.  

Many of the marathon runners, after running 26.2 miles, continued running straight to the hospitals to donate blood.

Many spectators and runners rushed in to help the wounded instead of running away in fear of another bomb.

I'm sure as the days and weeks unfold, we will hear many more stories of heroes.  We will hear how communities have come together and become stronger.  We will hear how people are supporting those that were injured and how people are supporting the families that lost loved ones.  

My heart is broken as I think of what happened, and the heartbreak and loss that so many are feeling, but today I am proud to be an American.  I am proud of the many heroes that think of others, the many heroes that will run to help in any way they can.  

We are strong and we will overcome.