BAA Announces Plans for Boston Marathon Tribute
|Boston Marathon bombing victim Krystle Campbell’s family at Fenway Park in October. Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox.
The Boston Athletic Association announced today plans for an official tribute event to mark the one year anniversary of April 15, 2013. The event, hosted jointly by Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Governor Deval L. Patrick in coordination with One Fund Boston will be held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on April 15, 2014.
“On April 15, we recall the courage, compassion, and commitment of our great city and its people,†said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Through this event, Boston again stands as one: paying tribute to all those affected by last year’s events and once again showing the world that Boston’s spirit of resiliency lives on.â€
“As a community, we were put to the ultimate test by the events at last year’s Boston Marathon,†said Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick. “But we rose to the occasion: turning to each other, rather than against and showing the world what a strong community looks like. Though we all had our lives affected in profoundly different ways, this Tribute will show the world again that we stand as one.â€
The tribute will honor those affected by last year’s events, including those who lost their lives, survivors and first responders. Featured at the event will be speakers representing families of those affected, medical staff who treated patients, responding government agencies and a host of civic leaders. The event will conclude with a flag-raising ceremony and brief moment of silence.
“We are humbled to participate in this tribute on behalf of the entire Marathon community,†said Tom Grilk, executive director of the Boston Athletic Association. “We continue to express our deepest gratitude to all those who courageously reacted to help save lives. And we remain committed to showing our support and encouragement for those that were injured or lost a loved one. What’s clear is that the bravery and tenacity exhibited in the moments following last year’s events are attributes that continue to define our community today. That’s what we seek to honor at this event.â€
Because of space restrictions, access to the Hynes Convention Center will be by invitation only. More details on the event, including a list of speakers and other program elements, logistics for the public, and media access will be released at a later date.
– Information from Boston Athletic Association