>> this week, both weekly addresses focused on the boston marathon bombings. first president obama, then the republican address by senator tim scott of south carolina. on monday, an act of terror

killed and injured people at the boston marathon. but americans refused to be terrorized. ultimately that's what we'll remember from this week. the stories of heroism and kindness, resolve and resilience, generosity and love. the brave first responders, police officers and firefighters, the e.m.t.'s and national guard, who ran toward danger to help their fellow citizens. the race volunteers, spectators and exhausted runners who rushed to help, including troops and veterans who never expected to see such scenes on the streets of america. the determined doctors and nurses at some of the world's best hospitals who toiled day and night to save so many lives. the big hearted people of boston. residents, priests, shopkeepers, who carried victims in their arms and delivered water and blankets, lined up to give blood, opened their homes up to total strangers. and the heroic federal agents

and police officers who worked together throughout the week, often at great risk to themselves, to keep our communities safe. as a country, we are eternally grateful for the profound sacrifices they make in the line of duty. sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the people they've sworn to protect. if anyone wants to know who we are, what america is, how we respond to evil and terror, that's it. selflessly, compassionately, and unafraid. through the days that would test even the strurdiest of souls, boston's spirit remains undaunted. america's spirit remains undimmed. our faith in each other and our love for this country, our common creed that cuts across whatever superficial differences we may have, that's what makes us strong. that's why we endure. in the days to come, we will remain vigilant as a nation and i have no doubt the city of

boston and those around it will continue to respond in the same proud and hoe roik way they have thus far and their fellow americans will be right there with them every step of the way. may god bless the people of boston and the united states of america. >> hi, i'm tim scott, senator from south carolina. this week, on patriot's day a day that celebrates the beginning of our kyntry's journey toward freedom, a horrific stradge dioccurred. the boston marathon bombing left all of us with a heavy heart and we pray for the victims and their families. however the perpetrates of this act hoped to shake the confidence of a city, they only strengthened the resolve of the nation this became apparent immediately as first responders ran toward unknown dangers. these amazing americans, some of whom charged through fences and barricades, put their own lives on the line to help others. we are so thankful for these women and men who on a daily basis sacrifice for our nation.

they are our friends, our family, our neighbors. join me in praying for them and the victims of this tragedy, the victims' families and their support system, to those who uld attack america and our citizens, let me say this. there is no corner on earth, no hiding place in america, that will keep us from finding you. the leaders of this country will do everything in our power to bring justice for the family and communities impacted. our freedom is our most precious possession. any effort to take it away will only strengthen our determination because the greatness of america is not seen in times of prosperity but crystallized by how we respond to challenges wetch will stand strong, we will stand united and we will stand together for boston. thank you and god bless america.

>> this documentary comes from alexander chandler of clearwater high school in florida. her message to the president focuses on reducing gun violence in schools through stricter security measures. it's a second prize winning ideo in this year's c-span studentcam competition. d-[gunshot] s-t-u-v-- [gunshot] >> ♪ now i know my abc's, next time won't you sing with me ♪ >> this is not about gun reform. it's not about gun laws. it's a story.

it's a story about what could have prevented the loss of innocent lives and protect the ones of the future. 25 years ago, my mother, lisa, attended pinellas park high school. she was a varsity cheerleader. a member of the honors choir. on february 11, 1988, it was a day like any other day. she and her friends were eating lunch in the commons area when chaos erupted. >> all of a sudden, there was a loud noise, people started screaming, kids were yelling, and it was so confusing and at first i thought there must be a fight. but then i saw all of these kids running toward us, tables were turning over, lunch plates were hitting the ground, and people were screaming, there's a gun, there's a gun!

>> sophomores jason hollis and jason mccoy brought guns to school. however, harrless was the only one to open fire. assistant principal nancy blackwelder and a student intern were critically injured by gunshot wounds. the high school was forever changed as the principal was fatally wounded. >> never in my mind did i think that there was a gun in my school or let alone that someone had just been shot and killed. >> students were devastated, scared. long gone were the days where school was considered a safe haven. students were cold it was an isolated incident, it would never happen again. yet here we are 25 years later. with massacres such as columbine, virginia tech and the newtown shooting. so you have to ask