It is always difficult and imprudent to draw too many conclusions too early about terrorist attacks like the carnage at the Boston Marathon. But there are three significant lessons from this horrendous event that deserve serious and sustained attention from everybody involved, including public officials, law enforcement authorities, members of the news media (old and new) and citizens.

First, Boston is blessed with multitudes of surpassingly courageous men and women in its police force, fire department and emergency medical services. It is impossible to watch the video of the immediate aftermath of the first bomb without being amazed and inspired by the rush of first responders toward the smoke and blood. These folks knew there might be another explosion aimed specifically at them, yet they didn’t hesitate to aid the dying and injured.