Plans Announced For Boston Marathon Tribute Event

AP Photo

Details are vague so far, but officials from the Boston Athletic Association announced on Thursday plans for an event to mark the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings.

On April 15, Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Marty Walsh, in coordination with the One Fund, will take the stage with Boston Marathon bombing survivors, first responders that were at the scene, and family members of victims of the attack. The event will be held at the Hynes Convention Center, not far from the finish line.

“On April 15, we recall the courage, compassion, and commitment of our great city and its people,” said Walsh in a statement. “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.”

Patrick said the tribute on April 15, one-year to the day that two bombs went off at the finish line on Boylston Street, killing three people and injuring more than 250 others, will “show the world again that we stand as one.” The ceremony will take place almost a week prior to race day, which falls on April 21 this year.

“As a community, we were put to the ultimate test by the events at last year’s Boston Marathon. But we rose to the occasion: turning to each other, rather than against and showing the world what a strong community looks like,” he said.

The tribute will honor those affected by last year’s events, and conclude with a flag-raising ceremony and brief moment of silence, according to a press release from the B.A.A.

Because of space restrictions, the event is invite-only at this time, according to race organizers. “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,” they said.

There has been no word yet as to whether former Mayor Tom Menino or former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, will be present at the ceremony, but because of their role in the days following the bombings, it’s likely they will attend. At this time, the B.A.A. is not involved or aware of any plans for a physical memorial.