One Boston Day: 9 years since the Boston Marathon bombings

BOSTON — The City of Boston paused on Friday to remember those killed or wounded in the 2013 bombings at the Boston Marathon.

One Boston Day is a chance to reflect on the tragedy and the resiliency of the City of Boston.

Boston pauses on Friday to remember those killed or wounded in the 2013 marathon bombings Boston pauses on Friday to remember those killed or wounded in the 2013 marathon bombings

People were asked to perform random acts of kindness throughout the day. There is even a checklist available if you are in need of some inspiration.

“Even the smallest things to saying please and thank you to helping out your fellow Americans,” said Angel Velasquez.

There is a checklist available if you are in need of some inspiration.

Some ideas include thanking first responders, medical professionals, teachers, and transit workers or simply visiting with an older neighbor in your community.

Justin Carter is acting by donating blood. “I think it feels good. It feels good to do and I hope when I tell people that I’m doing it that they get out and do it themselves,” said Carter. “You don’t have to go above and beyond and give thousands of dollars to charity, just holding the door open for somebody,” said Velasquez.

One Boston Day this year marks 9 years since the bombings along Boylston. This year’s marathon is taking on a special tradition as it returns to Patriots Day with all of the major COVID-19 restrictions lifted.

Wreaths were placed at the two locations on Boylston Street where bombs were detonated on that day nine years ago. Bells rang from the Old South Church after a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. - the time of the attacks.

Those bombings killed Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu, and Krystle Campbell.

MIT police officer Sean Collier was killed during the manhunt for the two men responsible for the attacks. Boston police sergeant Dennis Simmonds died almost a year after the attack, after suffering a medical emergency from injuries sustained during a shootout in Watertown with the attackers.

Krystle Campbell, Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu, Dennis Simmonds, Sean Collier

The family of Martin Richard posted a touching tribute to the young boy on the Facebook page of the foundation named after him.

Today, especially, we remember Martin’s kind heart, his loyalty to friends and family, and his love for the Boston Red Sox and Opening Day at Fenway Park. #GoSox
Posted by Martin Richard Foundation on Friday, April 15, 2022

“It’s a day to uplift and celebrate the resiliency, kindness, and generosity of our City communities,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “One Boston Day is our opportunity to stand together in service to and solidarity with others—showcasing what makes Boston so special.”

People are encouraged to use the hashtag #OneBostonDay throughout Friday.

This One Boston Day, we’re encouraging Bostonians to complete at least 4 of these 15 acts of kindness. Share what you’re doing to spread kindness on 4/15 by using #OneBostonDay.

Download the checklist at https://t.co/mReHAdDqD6
— Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports & Entertainment (@VisitBostonCity) April 11, 2022