Hearty congratulations to all involved in Monday's Boston Marathon - organizers, volunteers, city officials, law-enforcement authorities, spectators and, of course, participants - who helped make the 118th edition of the revered road race a glorious, triumphant celebration.

The epic event reflected strength, determination and resilience after last year's horror, when two terror bombs near the finish line led to three deaths and more than 260 injuries.

Nobody could have hoped for a more perfect resolution. A crowd of a million-plus lined the streets from Hopkinton to Boston, cheering a field of more than 36,000 runners, many of whom wrote the names of last year's victims on their shirts as a memorial tribute. Runners hugged cops, kids along the 26.2-mile route begged for high-fives and handed out orange slices, dozens of bands blared live music.

Many who suffered devastating injuries last year showed up again this year, including several who ran or propelled themselves in wheelchairs.

Even the weather was perfect - the city, which after last year had adopted the slogan, "Boston strong," glowed in bright sunshine.

By the way, an American, Meb Keflezighi, won the men's division for the first time in 31 years, and a woman, Kenya's Rita Jeptoo, set a course record - but while the Boston Marathon may be a serious athletic competition, on Monday the race itself came in second place to emotions.

Everyone fulfilled a commitment to take back the finish line. We applaud you all.