Mayor Michelle Wu is rallying Bostonians to engage in volunteer work and random acts of kindness for One Boston Day, a tribute to the city's strong community bonds in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Wu has called upon local organizations, businesses, and residents to join forces for a weekend filled with service projects leading up to the commemorative day on April 15, which coincides with this year's marathon, as reported by Boston.gov.
"One Boston Day brings our whole community together to take care of each other and spread goodwill," Wu stated in a release obtained by Boston.gov. To mark the day, city departments and workers are set to host several service projects to give back to their communities. These include a neighborhood cleanup on April 13 at Franklin Park at 10 a.m., giving Bostonians a chance to quickly pick up trash and beautify their surroundings. Sign-up details for the event are readily available through the city's website.
Bill Richard, the founder of the Martin Richard Foundation, emphasized the lasting impact of April 15, 2013, on Boston's spirit. "One Boston Day reminds us of the spirit of our city that is shaped by people who stand up and take action when help is needed," Richard told Boston.gov. The foundation, named after Richard's son who was one of the victims, continues to fuel this spirit of service and remembrance.
In preparation for the day, The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is set to hold a blood drive and offer free Stop the Bleed training in Kenmore Square. Audrey Epstein Reny, who established the center after her family endured traumatic injuries from the bombings, encouraged public participation in the Boston Strong spirit. "On this One Boston Day, we ask the public to join us in the Boston Strong spirit of kindness by donating much-needed blood that will help save lives," Reny explained, encouraging citizens to heroically step up and donate, as reported by the Boston.gov.
Heather Abbott, who launched The Heather Abbott Foundation after becoming a bombing survivor herself, shared her sentiments with Boston.gov. "I am reminded of that each year on One Boston Day when the City and people of Boston recognize the generosity and resilience displayed in 2013 and continue to pay it forward," said Abbott. Her foundation will be hosting its tenth annual Marathon Monday watch party on April 15.
The B.A.A. is ready to commemorate the day with a wreath-laying ceremony in the Back Bay on the morning of April 15, also tying in to the Boston Marathon's deep-rooted tradition in the city. "This year’s One Boston Day is especially meaningful, as April 15 will be the same day as the 128th running of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America," said B.A.A. CEO Jack Fleming, highlighting the event's significance to Boston.gov.
The city has prepared a 2024 Acts of Kindness Checklist to spark ideas and encourage involvement by residents throughout Boston, which can be found on the city's website. People are encouraged to share their plans and reflections related to One Boston Day on social media using the hashtag #OneBostonDay, joining the city's collective effort to honor a day of remembrance with positive action.
