Could an everyday citizen have averted the most recent attack on our American way of life at the finish line of the Boston Marathon? While the answer can’t turn back the clock and change the horrific outcome of a low level bomb filled with shrapnel concealed in a nylon backpack, it is, from our perspective unequivocally, yes.
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Every single American can and must play a personal role in homeland and personal security. It is a simple, yet profound obligation to our republic: to be alert, and in the most objective and responsible way to follow basic common sense guidance: if you see something, say something. Say it to a 911 operator, say it to law enforcement, say it to a fireman, but say it. First responders count on and welcome your partnership in protecting what is most near and dear to all of us – our American freedom and our American way of life.
Make no mistake. This is not second-guessing about what might have been. This is a renewed commitment and a plea to take the violence of this horrific act of terror and to honor the victims by turning it into a teachable moment and legacy for all of us. It’s time for an even stronger partnership between Law Enforcement and all of our citizens. We already tweet, post, text and communicate 24/7. This is a request to use those same skills to say something if something doesn’t look right or feel right. A dropped backpack, a suitcase left behind, any suspicious activity should be communicated ASAP.
The American Security Council Foundation in partnership with former military leaders and law enforcement are currently building a public education program, designed to be shared with schools, communities, service organizations, clubs, and anyone who is willing to help in the protection of our security. We are committed to highlighting and elevating the relationship and the sacred trust that can and does exist between law enforcement and communities everywhere.
Unfortunately it’s too late to avert the attack that occurred on Monday in Boston. But it’s not too late to step up our caring, our vigilance, our attentiveness, and our situation awareness in all of our communities. We need to do it together, and with the courage and resolve that is at the heart of the American spirit.
The cowardly people behind this horrific act may believe that they have achieved their end of striking fear in the hearts of the American people. Instead they have rekindled the American spirit and resolve to fight terrorism at every level. They have not weakened us but strengthened the bonds that make us a great nation.
Donald B. Smith, Brig. General USA (Ret.), is Chairman of the Board of the American Security Council Foundation and Sheriff of Putnam County, NY. Bill McCollum is a former United States Congressman and Florida Attorney General, and Director of the American Security Council Foundation.