Boston Marks 13 Years Since Marathon Bombings

One Boston Day honors victims with acts of kindness, service events, and somber ceremonies.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:41am

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph showing a crowd of people gathered around a memorial, with the iconic Hancock Tower visible in the background, conveying a sense of community and reflection.The annual One Boston Day commemoration brings the community together to honor victims and promote acts of kindness in the face of tragedy.Boston Today

Today marks the 13th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, and the city is commemorating the occasion with One Boston Day - an annual event featuring acts of kindness, service projects, and solemn ceremonies to honor those killed and injured in the 2013 attack. Mayor Michelle Wu will join marathon organizers and victims' families for a wreath-laying ceremony, and the historic Old South Church bell will toll at 2:49 pm, the moment the first bomb exploded near the finish line.

Why it matters

The Boston Marathon bombings were a tragic and defining moment for the city, and One Boston Day has become an important annual tradition to remember the victims, support the community, and promote positivity in the face of senseless violence.

The details

One Boston Day includes a variety of service events and opportunities for the public to participate, from virtual 'Stop the Bleed' training sessions to neighborhood cleanups and charity donation drives. The day culminates in a wreath-laying ceremony at the marathon memorial site and the ringing of the Old South Church bell at 2:49 pm, the exact time the first bomb detonated.

  • The Boston Marathon bombings occurred on April 15, 2013.
  • One Boston Day is held annually on April 15th to commemorate the anniversary.
  • The wreath-laying ceremony will take place on the morning of April 15, 2026.
  • The Old South Church bell will toll at 2:49 pm on April 15, 2026.

The players

Michelle Wu

The current mayor of Boston who will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony.

Stepping Strong Center at the Brigham

A medical center that is offering virtual 'Stop the Bleed' training as part of the One Boston Day events.

St. Francis House

A local charity that is hosting donation drives as part of the One Boston Day activities.

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What they’re saying

“One Boston Day is an important annual tradition to remember the victims, support the community, and promote positivity in the face of senseless violence.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

What’s next

The city of Boston will continue to host One Boston Day each year on April 15th to honor the victims of the 2013 marathon bombings and promote community service and resilience.

The takeaway

In the face of tragedy, the city of Boston has turned the anniversary of the marathon bombings into an opportunity to bring the community together through acts of kindness, service, and remembrance - a powerful testament to the city's strength and resilience.