President, First Lady visit Marathon blast victims at Boston hospitals

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 22: A general view of Boston's Children's Hospital on March 22, 2013 in Boston. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images) The First Lady reportedly visited Children’s Hospital on Thursday. Credit: Paul Marotta/Getty Images

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama left Thursday morning’s interfaith service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and privately met with patients, families and staff at separate Boston hospitals.

The president arrived at Massachusetts General Hospital just after 1 p.m. and spent about an hour visiting the 11 critically injured patients who remain there after Monday’s explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line.

During his speech at this morning’s memorial, Obama addressed the more than 170 people injured in the blast, several of whom lost limbs.

“Our prayers are with the injured; so many wounded, some gravely,” he said. “From their beds, some are surely watching us gather here today. And if you are, know this: As you begin this long journey of recovery, your city is with you. Your commonwealth is with you. Your country is with you. We will all be with you as you learn to stand and walk and, yes, run again. Of that, I have no doubt: You will run again. You will run again.”

The First Lady also spent time with several patients, visiting for about an hour at Children’s Hospital.

It was first unclear which hospitals the Obamas would be visiting, and what appeared to be a decoy motorcade drove by Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Prior to his visit at Massachusetts General, President Obama addressed volunteers from the Boston Athletic Association, the organizer of the Boston Marathon. He shook hands and spoke personally to many of those who attended the speech in a gymnasium adjacent to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End.

“The main message, in addition to being able to shake some hands and give some hugs, is just to say how proud the whole country is of you,” he told the group, many dressed in now-iconic blue and yellow 117th Boston Marathon jackets. “How grateful we are that in the face of chaos and tragedy, all of you displayed the very best of the American spirit. You displayed grit, you displayed passion, you displayed civic duty, you displayed courage. You’ve inspired the entire country, you’ve inspired the world, and for that you should be extremely proud.”

He concluded the informal address by encouraging the group to forge on.

“I’m proud of you, I’m proud of Boston, and I just said I’m looking forward to the 118th Boston Marathon. God bless you.”