Boston Honors Marathon Attack Heroes
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the city will observe "One Boston Day" on April 15.
- The annual event serves as a remembrance of the victims,survivors,and first responders of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
- City departments will organize service projects to allow residents to contribute to thier communities.A neighborhood cleanup for young people and families is scheduled for April 19, beginning at...
Boston to Commemorate ”one Boston Day” on April 15
Table of Contents
Boston –
March 27, 2025
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the city will observe “One Boston Day” on April 15.
The annual event serves as a remembrance of the victims,survivors,and first responders of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Wu has encouraged community organizations and residents to participate in volunteer opportunities throughout the week, emphasizing the importance of acts of kindness.
City departments will organize service projects to allow residents to contribute to thier communities.A neighborhood cleanup for young people and families is scheduled for April 19, beginning at 8:45 a.m. in Franklin Park Playstead.
Those interested in participating can register through the city’s website.
On One Boston Day, we remember the victims, survivors, families, and first responders of 2013, and we focus on what unites our city,said Mayor Wu.
Bill Richard, co-founder of the Martin Richard Foundation, said april 15 serves as a reminder of the victims, adding that his family is grateful for the generous spirit of Boston. The Foundation encourages residents to volunteer or donate to organizations, keeping alive the memory of those who died.
The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is partnering with the city to promote acts of kindness through a blood donation campaign. The blood drive will be held April 21, benefiting patients in need of urgent transfusions, as part of a “One-Mile-to-Go Block Party.”
On April 15,the city and the Boston Athletic association (BAA) will hold a floral tribute in Back Bay. Jack Fleming, president of the BAA, said “One Boston Day” is a reminder of unity and service, especially with the marathon approaching the following week, an event closely linked to the tragedy.
City departments will organize service projects for residents to give back to their communities on April 15 and throughout the week leading up to the marathon on Monday, April 21.
The Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing is facilitating the neighborhood cleanup for young people and families on Saturday, April 19, 2025, starting at 8:45 a.m. at Franklin Park Playstead. Volunteers can register online.
A list of suggested acts of kindness is available at Boston.gov/one-boston.
One Boston Day: Remembering, Reflecting, and Rebuilding
What is One Boston Day?
One Boston Day is an annual event observed in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 15th. It serves as a day of remembrance, reflection, and community action, honoring the victims, survivors, families, and first responders affected by the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
Why is One Boston Day Observed?
One Boston Day was established to commemorate the lives lost and the resilience of Boston in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston marathon bombing. The event is a way to:
Remember the victims and honor their memories.
Show support for survivors and their families.
Acknowledge and appreciate the heroism of first responders.
Focus on the unity and strength that emerged from the tragedy.
What Happens on One Boston Day?
The city of Boston organizes various activities and events to mark One Boston Day. These typically include:
Community Service Projects: City departments coordinate service projects to encourage residents to give back to their communities.
Floral Tributes: A floral tribute is held in Back Bay to pay respects.
Volunteer Opportunities: Encouragement for community organizations and residents to participate in volunteer efforts.
Acts of Kindness: The city promotes and encourages acts of kindness throughout the week, fostering a spirit of compassion.
How Can I Participate in One Boston Day?
Ther are numerous ways to participate in one Boston Day:
Volunteer: Join a community service project organized by the city.
Perform Acts of Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness towards others.
donate: Contribute to organizations that support victims and survivors.
Attend Events: Participate in memorial ceremonies and tributes.
Key Dates and Events for 2025
Here’s a summary of key events planned for One Boston Day and the surrounding days:
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
| :————- | :———————————————————– | :———————————– | :—————————————————————————————————- |
| April 15 | One Boston Day Official Commemoration | Back Bay | Includes a floral tribute |
| april 19 | Neighborhood Cleanup for Young People and Families | Franklin Park Playstead | Starting at 8:45 a.m. – Volunteers can register through the city’s website. |
| April 21 | Blood Drive: “One-Mile-to-Go Block Party” | Brigham and Women’s Hospital | Supporting trauma patients through the Gillian Reny Stepping strong center for Trauma Innovation |
Where Can I Find More data?
For a list of suggested acts of kindness, visit Boston.gov/one-boston.