Flags and Helpers

In which John talks about the bombing at the Boston Marathon while he drives to the dentist.

[@samireiter1389]

"To call this attack cowardly is an insult to cowards" Thank you John Green, for you are brilliant, and you are an inspiration.

[@steggopotamus]

Also, he calls himself a coward at some point (recently?) And you don't see him blowing anything up.

[@PossiblyNic]

John... Why are you so good with words? *Dries eyes*

[@SinisterSally]

"Hank, I'm cool with living in a world with flags but i'm most proud to live in a world that hold events with no flag that flies above any other. There are people who don't want to live in that world, Hank, but i know that we are not going to give it up." i will take this to heart.

[@gerongraham7496]

John, you never cease to amaze me with your wisdom and compassion. Thank you, not just for being a voice of a reason, but for showing us all that there is reason for hope, as well.

[@FrootbatBat]

I appreciate when someone offers words of encouragement, to focus on the good in people in light of such tragedy. Thank you, John Green.

[@CallaLilly414]

I have watched this video before, but today it made me cry. I will stand behind my flag as a canadian, and I will tear it down in the service of any human. I hope that if ever there is need, that I will have the courage to be a helper, but above all I hope that there is never need.

[@jeri9130]

I wanted to share with you all a moment where there was a lot of fear and distress but where I also saw helpers. I was at the Clackamas Town Center Mall on December 11th in 2012 and a young man shot and killed people there. My friend and I were in a small store and ran through an emergency exit as soon as we heard the gunshots. Other people ran too. Among them a store associate and a customer, both young women. The customer was wearing only a dress because she had been in the dressing room when it all began. As we were descending some stairs the customer winced and showed some pain because she wasn't wearing any shoes and the grating on the stairs hurt her feet. The store associate, barely bigger than this girl, picked her up and carried her down the stairs so she wouldn't hurt her feet. The image stays in my mind to this day, though their faces have faded. There were a million acts of kindness going on even though people were terrified and uncertain of what was going to happen next. "There is always someone trying to help". Though I could and do remember the fear and the sound of gunshots I try to remember and focus on the helpers. It helps me.

[@michellewiegand1854]

That's absolutely beautiful; I'm glad you're alright :D

[@lucybonomo]

The attacks in Paris today made me think of this video. I am so thankful to live in a world of helpers.

[@progloriadei]

Thank you, John, for reminding us to look for the good. Your words are healing and helpful.

[@adkmedic1]

I am an EMT, and a Nerdfighter. I just want to say a couple of things about the all the responders at the Boston attacks. You have inspired a nation with your heart, skills, and courage. You have taken an open wound in our nation and patched it so skillfully and compassionately that I know it will heal and be stronger because of your work. What amazes me most is that when all was done and your rigs restocked, you answered your next call. This was only part of your day. Thank you.

[@lillyparker-berg833]

This. Is the reason why I love John Green.

[@AnnikaOakinnA]

In dark times, I always like to come back to this video. The thing that has always stood out to me is not just that there were people who wanted to help, but that when faced with danger, they ran towards it. An explosion goes off, and most people's first instinct is to run away. After all, there could be another blast. There could be a fire. There could be a toxic gas, or the bomber could be nearby with a gun. There could be any number of dangers. But those people ran towards it anyways. Because there were people who needed help. And the idea of not helping was scarier than the danger. We run towards. We run towards kindness, towards love, towards each other. We look danger in the eye and say, I can help. I must help.

[@MotorSportsFan46]

I am British, in Britain we have mostly gotten over the flag thing, it's a function of being an old nation, most people just don't care much about our flag. The only times that people do care are when they want to define someone else as ‘the others'. Even when flags fly at the same height it is done to define a difference not a sameness. Sameness doesn't need a flag, it just is. When I see Americans saluting ‘the flag' or placing a hand on their heart and staring reverently at ‘the flag' while singing the anthem I immediately have two thoughts; look at the toddlers thinking this is important isn't it cute? and my that is scary. The first is because your nation is too young to have developed the health cynicism that Brits have, the second is that any nation who attaches such importance to a piece of coloured cloth is capable of doing terrible things in it's name. This is of course not unique to Americans but you seem to have institutionalised it to a greater degree than most. For me flags are like religions, they are constructs of ruling the class which are most often used to control the masses and should no longer have a place in an educated society

[@anonymouse29]

I love all the videos, pictures, and blogs that highlight the helpers and first responders. They were so fast and so brave to run into a situation where there could be more danger, and their bravery saved dozens of lives. I hope that, when we do find out who was behind the bombing, we focus more on praising the heros from that day than showing off the bomber. He/she doesn't deserve to be recognized, the helpers do.

[@msminmichigan]

John you are a good man. Your raw emotion and compassion in this video is touching. You brought a tear to my eyes. Thanks

[@saraisnotnormal]

John, your words leave me speechless and inspired. I honestly thank you, on behalf of the entire nerdfighter community. If it weren't for your thoughts and words being present in our daily lives, I'm pretty sure most of us wouldn't have the self motivation, determination, or desire to help. Thanks to this community, to you, and to Hank, we are part of an "us"; and just like what those flags signify to their people, this community makes us belong.

[@tho2ea]

Thank you so much for sharing your story Claire,and for being a helper, your doing doing work so many of us wish we could do, you're beautiful.

[@delilahtaylorkay]

john green is literally my hero, every word you say and write is just amazing, favorite author ever, reading your books make me feel smarter, please write more

[@ActionBuchholtz]

An amazing commentary on our current situation. John you have an amazing way with the English language that both captivates and inspires me. This video was so good I had to watch it twice.

[@jennieeckilson]

In times of tragedy, we look to people we trust to help us to understand and find some light in the darkness. John and Hank Green are two of those people for me. Thank you.

[@JasonRitenour]

Thank you for continuing to highlight the awesomeness of everyone immediately trying to help. I have seen so much attention given to how many more good people than bad there are after this tragedy and I see it all over the place. I am so glad to see our society embrace the awesomeness of people and can't help but think that nerdfighters never forgetting to be awesome has a part to play. Both because we are awesome and because we, as a community, look for awesome.

[@thatkaz]

As someone from Boston, I truly appreciate you making a video talking about more than just the bombing. I too loved the beauty of the flags when I watched a little bit of the Marathon. The helpers in Boston were amazing. Strangers stopping to help people who were injured and people comforting strangers were some of the things that made me smile through all the sadness.

[@ramifarran]

I've been watching vlogbrothers for a long time now, and this was easily one of the most beautiful ones I've seen. Thank you, John.

[@Geektech67]

An open letter to John Green, Dear John, Thank you for not only thinking about this horrific event in a way that is not only rational, it is emotionally uplifting as well. You've taken something horrible and advised us to not only struggle through it but to embrace the theyness that we conceive other cultures and points of view to be. If there is anyone who should be a proper diplomat or representative of our nation, nay, our world. It is you and your brother Hank. Best Wishes. Vash

[@Drk2022]

I feel such a sense of pride in the people of Boston because so many people ran to help those injured and that is a wonderful thing. I'm so glad there are helpers out there and there always will be no matter what happens.

[@margaretbillingham2011]

Thank you for finding hope and reminding us of what's good about humanity in light of something so sad.

[@BellaMooshi99]

Thank you for this. Even in the midst of all the hardships that face the world, you find something so incredibly deep and amazing. Thankyou.

[@tyedyegirl3245]

God Bless You John Green. Thank you for the videos that you post every week and trying to grab our attention to what's going on in the real world and hopefully together we can work as a team and stand up and be proud to be a part of "US".

[@PeaceLovePomegranate]

I cannot even fathom the words to describe my awe at the eloquence supplied by John in this video. His message is as unifying to humanity as it is beautiful, and speaks to a lesson that all could benefit from if only they would be willing to listen. There is a certain solace in such wisdom, and yet, such longing, too.

[@coreymilks4599]

You brought me tears Mr.Green. Not a tear or eyes that require a back of the hand rub away, I am crying right now. Thank you!

[@Live4theblacknote]

I found this to be truly profound. As a RN, I give myself to others daily and find my life's worth by being among the helpers. I am always proud and honored to count myself among that group of "us" so that we may always strive to support the group of "them".

[@tulsa223]

John as always inspiring. Life always get in the way of staying relevant with your vlogs but when i get the change to catch up on them you and hank always make me feel better about being a human. Thanks!

[@adidashea29]

I was about fifty feet from the second bomb, to hear your words of wisdom gives me great comfort. Thank you.

[@nintando]

4 years later and I find myself drawn to this video again after the attack at Manchester. Love you John.

[@plaidloveletters]

My father is a sargent of the Boston Police Department, and was a few hundred yards away from the finish line when the bombs went off. You and Mr. Rogers are right, John, because helpers are always nearby and I am proud that my father, in this case, was one of them.

[@KareemShaheen]

Thank you John. I rarely comment on KZbin but your words moved me to tears.

[@L0L0rox]

So beautifully well said. Still heart broken over all the recent tragedies in the world.

[@kirstieenglish9909]

This was a lovely moving video. It shows something wonderful about human kind that even when evil things are done the people that help the ones effected by these deeds are the ones that we remember .

[@springAzalea]

Thank you for the video and your insight. When I watched the original video for the first time a couple of minutes ago, I cried because of the lives cut short and lives permanently marred by the event. But I cried even harder when I saw the helpers. Their bravery touched my heart. I wish the best of luck to everyone affected by the event.

[@MrFernet07]

This video got me teary, I ran my first Marathon last Sunday. It was the 4th biggest Marathon in Germany, so also a possible target. The videos and pictures left me in shock, because it felt so close. The reason this video touched me is the honesty with which he speaks and the formidable pictures he uses.

[@patricktwyman2730]

This is one of the best video's that you have made, it didnt have a witty song, no giraffes loving giraffes, nothing more than honest human sentiment that i believe everyone should have. It was a great way to express your feelings about the tragedy yesterday and how wonderful the world can be. Personally i am proud to be part of the American us and the same human us as you john and all the helpers that were at the race and all the helpers that are in the world.

[@alsmiled]

There are millions of words in the English language, John, and you always find a way to put them together in the best possible combination. Thank you for that.

[@cgstriker9]

I've only just watched this video and after time, the truth and eloquence still rings true. After those responsible have been either taken care of or apprehended, after stories of heroism have come forth, after those same stories were attempted to be rebuffed by ignorant conspiracy theorists... The light of day was shown on and given to the heroes. To the helpers. To those who heard and saw the explosions, yet ran towards them in effort to provide help. Thanks for your work.

[@AndyBodkin]

John, I am a Critical Care Paramedic. I can assure you it is a very thankless job. I would like to say thank you for mentioning the "Helpers" and first responders of Boston EMS. Although I do not work in Boston I know how difficult working on a scene like that could be. In EMS we have a saying that the Police are "finest" Firefighters the "bravest" and Paramedics are the "forgotten". Thank you for mentioning us Boston EMS deserves so much more gratitude than they have gotten.

[@Katiedora122]

So today in Boston, my dad couldn't go to work b/c his job was in the police zone down the block from the bomb site, & he pointed out how much perspective it gave him. Typically we imagine that marathon scene as something from a war torn country as if that is all that occurs there. But like in Boston, people get up & work around the disaster, b/c we're people & that's what we do. Marathon Monday is the greatest holiday around here, & we're struggling, but we thank you for the support.

[@mariposahorribilis]

John, you made me cry. Thank you for this thoughtful response to horrible things happening allover the world.

[@tesneemtamimi6681]

You have my respect, John, for mentioning the lives lost outside the US. It's a reminder that the loss of any life is tragic and deserves our attention.

[@ScrabbleDiva]

This is why I truly love being a KZbinr. I get to tear up from seeing videos like this. Thank you John.

[@JustJamison91]

John, thanks for being the person to show me that there is still some hope for humanity out there. I wish there were more people like you.

[@JonasDemiBTRLover]

If anyone should be rewarded for inspirational, yet realistic speeches that give comfort to all, it's John and Hank Green. Thank you for everything.

[@tehjaiomgz]

Even having been completely divorced from the events at the Marathon, and simply watching this as an observer, I'm crying. Thank you for reminding us of the best of us. Best of luck and all my thoughts to those effected by the attacks and their loved ones.

[@QemeH]

Hi John, I'm an EMT and I want to say thank you for putting this into context. Who did it and why is a thing, we can ask ourself in a few days, when the injured get better and the deceased are burried and mourned. Until then, everybody should be a helper. Help the victims, help clean up the site, help the police if you have seen anything and first and foremost: Help those around you to mentally process what has happend. Talking about negative impacts that big helps more than most people imagine.

[@Katindabox]

You can hear the emotion in John's voice! He legitimately cares! I teared up just watching! John, never change... DFTBA Love from Florida

[@alli_sonc]

So much raw emotion in this video. Thanks for having a way with words Mr. Green.

[@SUNSHINEQUEENCAT]

john, your heart is made of gold. you & hank must have amazing parents to raise gems like the two of you.

[@aggs7721]

This is beautiful John, so many people seek to point fingers after a tragedy like this when I'm truth, we need to unite. This is such an inspirational video.

[@poproxluvr]

Thank you, John, for saying the words that my head and my heart can never seem to find in times like these.

[@OoohJenna]

My brother ran in the marathon and my parents were at the finish line waiting for him, but luckily he finished early and they missed the attack by minutes. But the best thing is that I had so many people calling me, messaging me and my family asking us if we were all okay, and the outpouring of concern for my safety made me cry. It's hard to think that something like this could happen in Boston. But I'm proud to be from here because the videos prove, when we fall down, we get right back up.

[@Tolstoyiswithme]

You beautiful human being, you give me hope and you make me cry. Thanks.

[@maitland1007]

That was really great. I have tons of respect and appreciation for you. Thanks for helping increase the amount of thoughtfulness and univesral 'us-ness' in the world.

[@amandasamantha6]

I live in Boston and am still in shock and complete disbelief. When something hits so close to home, it's truly frightening. Thank you for the reminder to look for helpers. Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, right?

[@SarahHunter0406]

I can only imagine that the 75 people who disliked this video were the ones who are not satisfied with living in a world in which there are flags and where no flag flies higher than any other. Thank you, John, for this beautiful video. I will now always look for the helpers.

[@laurennicole04]

Really amazing video, John. The world needs to hear your insight.

[@christopherroberts7348]

Strong words. I can tell they are filled with emotion too. I salute you sir, and stand by your ideals.

[@annikala]

This is so motivational and astute. You have given me a new perspective on this event and on the world, and it is one I don't think I will ever forget. You never FTBA, and that makes the world a better place.

[@sydneyadams514]

I am away at college, but my family lives in Massachusetts and your video was very touching. My sister works on Boylston street. Fortunately she wasn't working that day because of the Marathon, but calling her to see if she was okay was probably the most nerve racking dials of my life. I know many were not as lucky as my sister and I know this is probably not the last time a disaster like this will happen. I guess what I've trying to say with all this my remaining characters is...thank you John.

[@sabinebartlett6882]

Thank you for this. I am a Bostonian. I almost went to the marathon. The subway stations are filled with National Guard people and the sidewalks are covered in blood near where I used to have theater rehearsal. New England is typically not a violent region, so we are all shocked that a place full of hippies and yankees was bombed. But violence happens everywhere - it's unspeakably horrible, but during this time, we do need to look out for helpers, and be helpers ourselves. :-)

[@muchadoaboutliz]

I never even thought of that, but thank you John. We are all united, even if we don't always want to think about it. Yesterday was a scary time in many places (personally my county and a neighboring county had threats of school shootings in 5 different schools) but there were always people helping.

[@blendedchaitea]

Thank you John. Luckily no one I know was hurt, but I have friends who live near the bombing site and friends who were near where the bombs went off just moments before. I used to be cynical, but hearing people reach out with words of hope to the people of Boston is actually really helping. So thanks.

[@starrrs007]

John, I saw the flags and afterwards the helpers in the footage. At first i shivered at the thought of something like this happening to my home country. Then my eyes welled up at the thought of this happening to the people going through this ordeal. Today you made me cry because you've inspired me and given me hope. Hope that the world will be united and from this cohesion of equals, become stronger.

[@BookGirl1991]

I'm always glad how John can find something positive to point out even when discussing tragedies.

[@missa37811]

I don't know how you can put together words and thoughts so well. It's really amazing how you know exactly what and how to say things. You really are quite the writer :).

[@sierraharkess9744]

The fact that John is so overcome at some moments in this video is what breaks my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Boston. Bostonians DFTBA

[@tbefilms]

John, you always manage to move me with your eloquent words. Thank you.

[@emilymarie9474]

Very nice words of wisdom after an event that can oftentimes leave us speechless.

[@magsimags]

Thank-you for that. I'm glad someone else understands that these people are also just people. They had families who cared for them, they went to school and struggled with the same issues as every other human on this earth. I feel really sorry for them because like you said, they were just doing what they thought was right.

[@Calithileth]

Always so truthful, and as always beautifully said.

[@foreverwantingpie]

This is beautiful. It helps. It's respectful, and you say things when you speak. Great job.

[@livmagalhaesf]

Wow, i have no words. That was beautiful and heart warming, John. Thank you for those words.

[@betsycoughlin5556]

I'm from Boston and all of this hits so close to home. Fortunately I was in Washington dc when the bombs went off but while I was here I realized something, that no matter how far I am from home people will still help and still demand justice and peace

[@kindastupid1901]

this just makes me cry. im just so happy he's so gifted with writing and speaking. add to that, everything he said, you can feel, came from his heart.

[@ilove2run89]

It hurts me to my core to see my beloved hometown attacked. I love you Boston. And to Bostonians: you are the strongest, most courageous people in America. We can overcome anything, especially if we respond with love.

[@3LostRings]

I can't say I noticed the height at which the flags flew, or the flags themselves, for that matter, I was so disturbed by the images that I didn't notice the unity or the helpers... Thank you for bringing a note of positivity into the catastrophe.

[@1901180108]

I love the togetherness, too; if only it weren't so temporary. People are always willing to help in the wake of a tragedy, but, as soon as things get resolved, we forget how great it feels to come together and work with others rather than against them. If we could remember that great feeling for a little longer, maybe there would be fewer tragedies.

[@tigrissapphire915]

I was trying to explain this to my significant other yesterday. You put it in better words, as always.

[@kookieabdo9660]

"To say this attack was cowardly is an insult to cowards" Well put sentence.

[@MizuPinya]

"They stand for a larger 'us,' an 'us' sharing a human endeavor that doesn't require a 'them.'" -John Green Your quotes are the best, John.

[@treehuggingdork]

I love this man so much. He has such a way with words and such a unique view of the world.

[@StaceyGFilms]

I love to hear stories about people helping. Faith in humanity restored!

[@BriarConnor]

This not only made me tear up from remembering the event you're speaking about, but also because we are living in that world still, the one with people who don't want all of the flags to be at the same level. :,-(

[@yellowcat25]

Can I just say, I love how you also mentioned other people's tragedy's and not only your country's. Much love to you

[@anhbear4]

"living in a world where no flag flies higher than any other" beautiful words John. give peace a chance

[@DUFMAN123]

Brilliant words, thank you for sharing them John.

[@clairekellen]

One of the people killed was an 8 year old boy. His sister, Jane, lost her leg. She was an Irish dancer, like me. Irish dancers from around the world are sending in t-shirts to make a quilt for her, local competitions are sending their profits to her family to pay medical bills, and one young man, who won the world championships last month, is sending Jane his World Medal to be sewn onto the blanket. The world is full of so many helpers, and I am wonderfully amazed.

[@HatingWontDoIt]

Thank you! Why doesn't someone show these videos to the world! The whole world! Everyone! You are amazing! The most amazing guy I know of!

[@rivkahwinter]

Also after monday, I finally ended up finishing up Looking For Alaska. I had picked it up forever ago, and read until "after," then didn't touch it for months on end. It drew a really huge emotional response from me when I reached the middle of the book. I cried. But I ended up finishing it last night, and I'm glad I did. Now I'm onto TFiOS, and let me tell you, Mr. John Green, I very much enjoy your words, in both video and written form.

[@kristinabeiermann]

You're always such a comfort, John. Thank you.

[@alessandraandres2017]

my dad is a deputy superintendence for the boston police department. im so glad your dad is okay

[@Shivercfh]

This video is a perfect example of how I can go from smiling to crying in one minute and fifty five seconds. Thanks for always making me think, John.

[@ClaireOrlaDuffy]

It times like these we turn to people for comfort. John or Hank are those people for me. They always have something to say about things like these and for many this is probably something that a lot of people needed to hear. However I do look at John as a father figure and when you see your father figure tear up like that, it's not a pleasant thing. Not because their supposed to be strong, but because it's always difficult to watch someone you care for in pain.