Mayor Declares April 15 'One Boston Day'
BOSTON (CBS) -- From now on, April 15 will be known as "One Boston Day" in the city.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made the announcement Thursday morning, calling it "a new tradition to honor the resiliency, generosity and strength" of Boston.
"The marathon is certainly a symbol of hope and joy, and now more than ever strength and resilience," Walsh said during his remarks at the ceremony unveiling this year's Boston Marathon banners. "It's a symbol of how great our city is and everything that we love about our city."
Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured when bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.
Going forward, Walsh said One Boston Day is a day that residents should use to remember the countless lives impacted on the day of the Boston Marathon bombings.
"It's a day everyone should come together, spread goodwill throughout the city and recommit ourselves to our deepest values," Walsh told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
The mayor plans to mark April 15 by raising honorary banners on Boylston Street to honor victims and survivors of the bombing.
Walsh envisions One Boston Day as an opportunity for Boston residents to give back.
"I think a lot of the survivors want to take this opportunity and take a 'One Boston Day' as a way for people to go out and help someone else," Walsh said. "It shows the commitment, resilience and strength of our city, and the compassion of our city."
Defending Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi was on hand at Thursday's ceremony as well.
"Last year was a magical moment. I really wanted to do something positive," Keflezighi told WBZ-TV. "The inspiration of the spirit of the victims - the crowd was phenomenal it turned me on and there's no way I would have won the race without that support of the crowd."
The banners for the 2015 Boston Marathon say "There's Only One" and also have a heart with "Boston" printed in the middle of it.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mike Macklin reports:
