BOSTON – Wednesday will mark the 2nd anniversary of the Marathon bombing attack, an act of terror that targeted Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Patriots’ Day bombing took the lives of three innocent bystanders: Martin William Richard, Krystle Campbell and Lu Lingzi. MIT officer Sean Collier was killed 3 days later during the manhunt. Hundreds of innocent people were seriously injured – people from every corner of Massachusetts and the nation.
The attackers’ intent was to shatter the sense of celebration, cooperation and community that is fostered by the Boston Marathon each year. They failed – in the midst of the carnage and brutality, we witnessed countless acts of bravery and heroism by first responders, volunteers, visitors and average citizens. Boston, and all of Massachusetts stood strong and united with grit, compassion and generosity.
As the anniversary of the attack nears, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh has announced a series of plans to recall, reflect and honor the victims in a way that celebrates the strength and unity of all of Massachusetts.
First, Mayor Walsh will be leading a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. on Wednesday and encourages all municipal leaders and communities to participate.
Second, he is asking municipal leaders across the state to join in observing April 15 as “One Boston Day,” which is intended to focus not on one city, but on the entire region and Commonwealth, as a day to honor and remember all those affected by the tragic events, and to celebrate the resiliency, generosity, and strength of the people that make our communities great.
The intent is for April 15 to be a day for individuals to come together, and a day for communities, businesses and organizations to display their humanity. Participants are encouraged to take part through gestures as simple as random acts of kindness and spreading goodwill, or activities that encourage individuals and groups to give back to their community through service or volunteerism. As a way of fostering a greater sense of community for all those who observe and take action during One Boston Day, Mayor Walsh is asking individuals, local officials, businesses and community organizations to share how they are marking the day on social media using the hashtag #OneBostonDay.
Thank you very much for all you do to build community and make Massachusetts such a special place. The unity and strength that you and all of Massachusetts displayed on April 15, 2013 will always be remembered, and the events this year and on all future anniversaries will celebrate and honor our region’s beautiful resiliency.
