BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Thursday marks eight years since the Boston Marathon bombing -- and to honor the victims and heroes of that day, the city is asking people to show each other some love for "One Boston Day."
The city said although the Covid-19 pandemic means residents can't mark the day together in person this year, people are encouraged to perform acts of kindness for one another.
Some of the suggestions from the city and Boston Public Schools include:
- Thanking first responders and healthcare workers
- Donating money or volunteering with a local charity
- Giving food to the Greater Boston Food Bank
- Calling an older resident of the city to offer them assistance
- Donating pet supplies to a local animal shelter
- Supporting city artists
- Donating blood to the Red Cross
- Cleaning up litter or trash your neighborhood
- Thanking a veteran for their service
As part of the commemoration this year, hundreds of people are volunteering their time on Thursday through Saturday with Marathon Daffodils, an effort distribute five thousand daffodils throughout different areas of Boston.
"We have drivers, we have people that plant [the flowers], we have people that distribute, we have hospital workers that are wiling to pass out and make the healthcare workers feel appreciated," founder Diane Valle said.
She said that the flowers are planted in a diverse range of locations -- including by local hospitals, schools, and along Boylston Street.
"We have done this since the year after the bombing, and this is our opportunity to give back, and to beautify the city -- and make a tribute to Boston Strong," Valle said.
The One Boston Day website said the annual acts of kindness and demonstrations of support have "inspired the survivors and family members of the victims to connect, heal, and pay the kindness forward in ways both inspiring and profound."
The 2013 bombing and it's aftermath claimed the lives of three civilians -- Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and Lü Lingzi, along with two police officers -- Officer Sean Collier and Officer Dennis Simmonds. Over 260 civilians were injured in the bombing, according to the city's Public Health Commission.
If you would like to learn more about the events and ceremonies happening in the city this week and the stories of victims and survivors, you can visit the One Boston Day website here.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports:
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio)