In the wake of the incredibly horrific and surreal events the nation suffered through last week, we were reminded once again of the tremendous bravery and unity that defines the spirit of freedom that was exemplified by millions of Americans in their words and displays of support after the Boston bombings last Monday.

The cooperation and dogged determination demonstrated by the Boston Police Department in conjunction with the National Guard, FBI and local Massachusetts authorities were what led to the successful capture of the second suspect in the marathon bombing investigation Friday.

As we anxiously await more answers, now is an important time not only to return to normalcy but also to reflect on last week’s turbulence. A student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dzhokar Tsarnaev, 19, could have just as easily been one of our peers at the University of Minnesota. And instead of the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Massachusetts Institute of Technology officer Sean Collier, any number of University police officers or University student safety and security volunteers could have been slain on our campus.

We want to take our time of reflection to thank the University Police Department and all the student security officers — including 624 -WALK escorts — who so selflessly help ensure our safety on campus. They do not often get the credit deserving of their profession, and they are ultimately here to serve and protect this University and its students. In the aftermath of the unspeakable violence that has rocked the nation, as well as a recent history of gun-related threats and violence plaguing several campuses across America, we cannot thank them enough for their dutiful and honorable service.