Boston Marathon Victims Remembered at Music on the Beach

Technical difficulties that delayed a recorded version of the Star Spangled Banner were no match for the Tarpon Springs High School jazz ensemble. The talented group broke out into an a capella version at Thursday night's Music on the Beach event in Tarpon Springs.

The rest of the crowd followed the youngsters in song just after a moment of silence was held in honor of the Boston Marathon victims.

A banner sporting a large heart with the words "Tarpon Springs Loves Boston" inside of it was dedicated to the Boston Marathon at 7 p.m. after beach goers and music lovers penned their thoughts and well wishes on it.

Each month at Music on the Beach, one of the City Commissioners speaks on behalf of the board. 

Tarpon Springs Commissioner Jeff Larsen offered words of comfort despite the circumstances.

Larsen told Patch that as a runner himself, the events were tragic and surprising to hear about.

"I was just shocked," Larsen said. "The thought of that happening at a special, family friendly event is just horrifying."

Larsen added that he is an avid supporter of Music on the Beach and attends almost every month. He said he brings his wife and kids along to make the outing a family affair. 

"It's a neat event and we always enjoy it," Larsen said. 

Seagulls flew overhead throughout the evening and offered up their own singing voices. Combined with the soft crash of the water on the sand, a natural island melody was made.

Although it seemed like paradise had been found, the American flag at half mast on the tip of Tarpon's Sunset Beach was a somber reminder of the events that took place in Boston earlier this week.

Daniela Smyth, a city recreation specialist, is one of the longtime organizers of Music on the Beach and is also a runner.

She said that after completing four marathons herself, the tragedy in Boston felt personal.

"I've had my family and my friends at that finish line before and they would have been blown up if they were there," Smyth said.

Smyth said that the monthly music event is a good place to gather and send out something from the community. 

The group took part in similar dedications post-Sept. 11 and after the earthquakes devastated Haiti in 2010. 

"I really think it's important that the community comes together and still celebrates life," Smyth said. "We cannot stop because then they are winning." 

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