Evil will always exist.

The bombings at Monday’s Boston Marathon were another tragic reminder of that.

I grew up in New Hampshire, about an hour north of Boston, and my heart skipped a beat upon hearing the news.

When I turned on the TV, the carnage was depressing. Streets I’ve once walked were painted with blood; innocent lives changed forever.

At first, I was angry.

It was all so senseless. Too many suffered such a cruel twist of fate on a day meant for celebration and achievement.

I wanted a swift, heavy hand of justice to be served.

Then, I was sad.

I was sad for the victims. I was sad for their loved ones. I was sad for anyone who will now hear the sound of thunder and pop out of bed in fright.

Finally, I felt lucky.

I didn’t personally know anyone caught in the blast. One friend was “right there” when the explosions occurred, but safely walked away. Through social media, I discovered a handful of high school acquaintances ran the race, but had either finished or were a couple miles away.

The evil packed inside those bombs was unavoidable and left an everlasting impact on those affected by its fury.

We still don’t know the exact motives behind the villain, but clearly the heinous plan was meant to cause terror, death and destruction. All of that was achieved.

But for all the bad in this world — no matter how cowardly and despicable — good will always rise above it.

The city of Boston and a supportive nation standing behind it have reassured me of that.

My heart warmed Tuesday night at the Butler High School gymnasium, where a moment of silence was held before the Butler-Seneca Valley boys volleyball match.

The New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens — Boston’s biggest rivals in baseball and hockey — pushed history aside and honored the wounded city.

Professional athletes are often considered heroes by their affectionate fans. I urge those admirers to appreciate and applaud the brave souls who rushed to save the lives of strangers.

Sports are just a game. Those are the real heroes.

The Boston Marathon annually takes place on Patriots’ Day — a holiday in Massachusetts on the third Monday of each April to observe the initial battles of the Revolutionary War.

For the first time, that celebration was marred with a war-zone atmosphere.

But just as it did during the Revolutionary War, this country unites in the face of adversity. I guarantee Boston will mourn, but also rally around Monday’s events for years to come.

Humanity will continue to produce evil. It will never break the bond shared by the good.

Not in Boston. Not anywhere in this wonderful country we’re lucky enough to call home.