Idaho Falls supporters organize tribute run for Boston

As the terror in Boston left the country on edge this week, thousands of people participated in tribute runs to honor those killed and hurt — including a group in Idaho Falls.

“The bombing — even though it didn’t happen here…it happened here,” said Lucian Johnson.

Husband, father and veteran, Lucian Johnson, said he loves his country through thick and thin.

“I actually got on Facebook and there was a guy…I can’t remember where he was from…but there was a picture of him running through his town carrying the flag,” said Johnson. “That was awesome, that meant a lot to me.”

That image inspired Johnson to organize a tribute run of his own.

Family, friends and neighbors picked up an American flag, despite the rain, wind and hail, and walked down one of the busiest streets in town.

“The red on the flag signifies the blood that spilled for our country,” said Johnson. “We spilled more blood at the Boston Marathon that shouldn’t have happened but it did. So we’re going to run so some of that blood can be cleaned up a little bit.”

And Johnson said today’s tribute wasn’t about being a runner or an athlete. It was about the American spirit.

“We don’t have to love our country just because something happens,” said Johnson. “We need to love our country and love each other all of the time.”