Boston to Mark One Boston Day with Acts of Kindness

Mayor Wu calls for community-wide volunteer events and gestures of care to honor the resilience of Boston.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:06pm

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An extremely blurred, impressionistic photograph composed of soft, glowing orbs of warm yellow, orange, and red light, conceptually representing the spirit of community and compassion surrounding One Boston Day events.The annual One Boston Day celebration brings the community together through acts of kindness and service, honoring the city's resilience in the face of tragedy.Boston Today

The City of Boston is once again inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to come together on April 15 for One Boston Day - an annual observance honoring the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy. Mayor Michelle Wu is encouraging acts of kindness and volunteer service projects throughout the week leading up to the 130th Boston Marathon.

Why it matters

One Boston Day has become an important tradition for the city, providing an opportunity to reflect on the community's strength and unity in the face of adversity, as well as to continue the spirit of care and compassion that emerged in the aftermath of the 2013 bombing. The day's events and volunteer initiatives aim to bring Bostonians together and make a positive impact across the city's neighborhoods.

The details

The Mayor's Office of Civic Organizing is facilitating a neighborhood cleanup in Franklin Park on April 18, and the Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital is offering free virtual Stop the Bleed training sessions on April 15. City departments and community groups will also be hosting various service projects throughout the week. On the morning of April 15, the City of Boston and the Boston Athletic Association will hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the Back Bay.

  • One Boston Day is observed annually on April 15.
  • The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on April 20, 2026.
  • The neighborhood cleanup in Franklin Park is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
  • The free Stop the Bleed training sessions will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 15 at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The players

Mayor Michelle Wu

The current mayor of Boston who is encouraging acts of kindness and volunteer service projects for One Boston Day.

Bill Richard

The co-founder of the Martin Richard Foundation, which honors the spirit of the city in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy.

Audrey Epstein Reny

The founder of The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital, which is offering free Stop the Bleed training in honor of One Boston Day.

Jack Fleming

The President & CEO of the Boston Athletic Association, which is partnering with the City of Boston to honor One Boston Day.

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What they’re saying

“Thirteen years ago, when the horrific tragedy at the Boston Marathon shook our city to its core, we came together in love—mourning families, supporting survivors, and healing together.”

— Mayor Michelle Wu

“As spring arrives in Boston each year, we are reminded of the hope and spirit of our city. One Boston Day gives us a moment to reflect on our shared values most importantly to care for one another.”

— Bill Richard, Co-founder, Martin Richard Foundation

“In Boston, resilience is not just remembered—it is lived. One Boston Day honors the enduring spirit of a city that rises together, supports one another, and transforms adversity into unity, compassion, and strength.”

— Audrey Epstein Reny, Founder, The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center

“One Boston Day is a time for all of us to remember, uplift, and extend gratitude to one another. As race day and the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America approaches, we encourage all athletes, volunteers, spectators and community members to unite and celebrate the spirit, resilience, and determination of our community on One Boston Day.”

— Jack Fleming, President & CEO, Boston Athletic Association

What’s next

More details about the specific One Boston Day events and volunteer opportunities will be made available on the City of Boston's website in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

One Boston Day has become an important annual tradition that brings the Boston community together to honor the resilience and compassion that emerged in the aftermath of the 2013 Marathon tragedy. By participating in acts of kindness and volunteer service, residents can continue to strengthen the city's spirit of unity and care for one another.