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President Obama Meets With Marathon Volunteers, Victims And Families

BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- After Thursday's interfaith service, President Barack Obama visited a gymnasium across the street from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross to thank Boston Athletic Association volunteers.

"I'm here to tell you how proud the whole country is of you, how grateful we are that in the face of chaos and tragedy all of you displayed the very best of American spirit," Obama said. "You displayed grit, you displayed compassion, you displayed civic duty, you displayed courage."

"There's something about that that's infectious. It makes us want to be better people," he said.

Obama spoke of the need for the nation to hold on to the qualities volunteers displayed in the moments after the bombing.

"It's right there under the surface every day," Obama said.

Obama and the first lady then rode to area hospitals where he met privately with patients, their families and hospital staff.

Before the service, Obama and the first lady met at the cathedral with members of the family of Krystle Campbell, one of the three killed Monday.

Hours after meeting with the president, the Campbell family issued the following statement:

Our family is devastated by the loss of our daughter Krystle. She was an incredible and loving sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter and friend. Her presence will be missed more deeply than words can express.

We are so grateful for the efforts of the first responders, doctors, nurses and the many other individuals who aided not only Krystle, but the many others who were injured or killed in Monday's senseless attack.

Furthermore, we are thankful for the outpouring of prayers, love, and support from our friends and families, the great community of Medford, the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the nation and the world.

 

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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