Families and loved ones of those lost and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing gathered Tuesday at the sites of the two bombs to observe the twelfth anniversary of the tragedy.
“It’s really important for us to take the time every year on April 15 to remember the gravity of what happened, the gravity that really changed Boston forever,” Mayor Michelle Wu said after the ceremony. “And then to hold on to that little bit that brought us together in that moment and that we want to continue keeping everyone together.”
The One Boston commemoration and events “recognize the resiliency, generosity, and strength demonstrated by the people of Boston and those around the world” following the events at the April 15, 2013 marathon, the City states, encouraging residents to come together to participate in acts of kindness.
On that day, two bombs went off in the crowds near the marathon finish line, killing Martin Richard, 8, Krystle Campbell, 29, and Lu Lingzi, 23, and injuring over 200 people. MIT police officer Sean Collier, 27, was shot and killed during the manhunt for the suspects days later, and Boston police officer Dennis Simmonds, 28, died after a year from injuries sustained in a shootout with the bombers.
One Boston events kick off April 15 every year with a wreath laying ceremony at the site of the bombings, followed by a tolling of the bell and moment of silence at Old South Church at 2:49 p.m. A small group, including city and state officials, solemnly followed a bagpiper to both sites Tuesday, quietly reflecting for a moment before moving forward.
Wu called the families at the ceremony “incredibly strong, loving leaders in our community who use their strength every year, throughout the year, to make our community better and to bring people together.”
“And throughout the day, we encourage everyone to carry out acts of kindness, get involved,” said Wu. “Say hi to a stranger. Just remember that we’re part of the same community and that we have each other’s backs.”
Events in commemoration of the city’s compassion after the bombing will continue throughout the week, with a Franklin Park Neighborhood Cleanup on Saturday morning and a blood drive in Kenmore Square during the marathon Monday.
More information about One Boston events and volunteer opportunities can be found at boston.gov/one-boston.
