When tragedies strike, there are always more questions than answers. The question that resonates most intensely is always “why?” and even more importantly “how?”

The all-too-familiar questions linger in America’s movie theaters, universities and most recently in elementary schools and marathon races. 

“Why?” is what we ask when looking to Monday’s Boston Marathon. Why Boston and why one of the world’s most revered events? Why cripple an event that began with 26 seconds of silence to honor Newtown? Why harm the innocent?

The bombs exploded, and just as fast as they were detonated, bystanders transformed into heroes, offering everything they could from medical expertise, a helping hand and even the clothes off their backs. This was community. This was unity. This was how we react when someone attacks us. 

Shock raced through the streets of Boston. It moved from Boylston Street to the Internet to news outlets across the country and then the world. 

Within hours, Google set up a Boston Marathon Person Finder search engine for anyone looking for a friend or family member or anyone who had information about someone there. BuzzFeed launched a page portraying 20 unbelievable acts of kindness by Bostonians. 

While the perpetrators remain unknown, President Obama has assured the nation that they will be discovered and that justice will be served.

But in light of this horrific event, a twinge of hope and positivity shines through. 

Using a Google Document filled with hundreds and hundreds of entries, Bostonians offered up extra beds and temporary housing. The support for anyone affected by the bombs outpoured.

Social media is an invaluable resource, and it shows how easy it is to connect, to help another in need, to offer a bed, a ride, a telephone, a bandage, a listening ear — even blood for those who had lost theirs.

Despite the horrific events, the trauma, the difficult path toward recovery to come — Boston has risen to the occasion. America has reinforced its resiliency against terror and tragedy. We are a country realizing that our vulnerability is ubiquitous, but realizing the same of our tenacity. 

Our thoughts are with the three killed, the over 100 injured and the countless families affected. And here in Champaign-Urbana our thoughts turn to the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, which will still go on but with reevaluated security measures. It will be a race where every step taken will be a stride in solidarity with Boston.

As people, as Americans — it is in these moments and times of crisis that the potential for unity is discovered, strengthened and spread. 

Uncertainties remain, and investigations will certainly unfold, but all the while, we must remind ourselves that such violent acts are meant to incite fear. And that is a fear that we will not give in to.