Boston Marathon Bombings: City Marks 7th Anniversary Online

BOSTON — Seven years after the Boston Marathon bombing, the city is keeping with tradition and marking it as a day of reflection and service in honor of those who were lost, injured and impacted in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013.

Mayor Marty Walsh has proclaimed today a citywide day of reflection, prayer and unity in Boston. But, unlike previous One Boston Days, this one coincides with a state of emergency as the commonwealth works to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus and the number of those who have fallen sick or died continues to rise.

In light of that, unlike in previous years, there will be no wreath-laying ceremony or hugs or holding hands or in-person group volunteer projects.

"This One Boston Day will be unlike any we've ever experienced," said Walsh. "To honor this day, I urge our residents to stand together by staying apart."

Walsh said the positive impact people can make this year is bigger and more important than ever with the Spector of the health emergency hanging over it.

"I ask all residents to do their part," said Walsh. "Help us slow the spread of the virus, and make a difference in the lives of those we love."

Instead of being out and about helping one another, Walsh encouraged residents to download a checklist of ways to practice acts of kindness, while social distancing.

At 2 p.m. today the city will also host an online interfaith prayer service. It will be streamed live on boston.gov, and on local cable access channels. At 2:49 p.m. to mark the anniversary there will be a moment of silence.

Walsh is also encouraging people to share their reflections on the meaning of One Boston Day on social media with the hashtag #OneBostonDay:

The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings claimed the lives of 8-year-old Martin Richard, 29-year-old Krystle Campbell and 23-year-old Lu Lingzi and injured more than a hundred others.

Days later, MIT police officer Sean Collier, 27, was shot and killed during a manhunt for the bombers, and Boston police officer Dennis Simmonds, 28, died almost a year after he was hit by shrapnel while exchanging gunfire with the attackers.

One Boston Day was founded in the wake of the attacks to remember the victims through selflessness and love. The celebration of random acts of kindness, big and small, takes place on April 15, the anniversary of the bombings.

Each year the Old South church bells also ring out at 2:49 p.m. to mark the time of the bombings.

New this year, Boston police will be hosting a cavalcade, or procession to include horses at 7:30 p.m. beginning in front of police headquarters and will travel past Boston Medical Center, Tufts, Mass General Hospital, St Elizabeth’s, Beth Israel Deaconess, Children’s, Brigham & Women’s and the Carney in an effort to honor first responders.

Previously:

One Boston Day Marks Anniversary of ... - Patch