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One Boston Day: City leaders encourage people to share acts of kindness

BOSTON — This marks the eighth anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombings a somber anniversary that is also a day of service to others. One Boston Day began in 2015 as a chance to celebrate resiliency and strength on display during and after the marathon bombings of 2013.

“This year, for One Boston Day, we’re asking you to stand together, by staying apart. Make this your day of reflection and service,” Janey said.

Janey asked people to perform acts of kindness, take pictures of what they have done and post them to social media with the hashtag “OneBostonDay.”

Thursday morning, the Marathon Marker pillars on Boylston Street were visited by Bostonians. Some took pictures, others touched the granite monument in the middle of the installation.

Marina Smith was among those who stopped for a moment to reflect.

“When I think of today it’s is so heartbreaking, so I just hope everybody just thinks of today and does an act of kindness to somebody,” said Smith.

Another man who did not wish to give his name said he was a teenager attending his first marathon when the bombs went off, he said he joined the military in part because of the bombing.

The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation, formed by the parents of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, shared a photo of Martin on Facebook Thursday.

Remembering Martin ❤️June 9, 2004- April 15, 2013

Posted by Martin Richard Foundation on Thursday, April 15, 2021

Acting Mayor Janey is expected to visit one of the Boylston memorial sites Thursday afternoon, her office said.

Later in the day, Janey will join Gov. Charlie Baker for a wreath-laying ceremony, according to the Governor’s office.

PREVIOUS: Mayor Janey encourages reflection and service this upcoming One Boston Day

Officials released a list of acts that to be accomplished on One Boston Day. The list includes:

  • Donating to or volunteering for an organization that’s working on food access.
  • Supporting small businesses and local restaurants.
  • Thanking a veteran for their service with a card.
  • Supporting a Boston Marathon runner running for a causing this fall.

For more information on the annual Boston tradition and a full list of acts of kindness, click here.