Boston held its first One Boston Day on April 15 to mark the second anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. According to the One Boston Day website, the commemorative day was meant to be "a celebration of the resiliency, generosity and strength of the people that make Boston the great city it is." Part of this strength comes from the courage of the first responders who helped save lives at the scene of the incident.
Boston shows gratitude to first responders
Boston.com noted that the city observed a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. followed by the ringing of church bells to remember all of the lives that were taken and the people who were injured. Bostonians were also encouraged to honor the victims through random acts of kindness on the day of the anniversary.
Locals put a special focus on thanking the police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders who came to the rescue of marathon runners and bystanders and have since continued to play a major role in the city's recovery.
The news source showed pictures of posters created by local school children who wanted to show their gratitude to Boston's first responders. Littered with traces of their hand prints and notes reading, "Thank you to all the helpers who lent a hand and who were so brave," the colorful displays lined the streets of the city.
Local news station donates to city's firefighters
7News, a local news station in Boston, wanted to give a special thanks to the first responders who protected the lives of thousands during the incident two years ago. The news team partnered with Lowe's and Legal Seafoods to provide Boston Police District 4 with new furniture for their community living space, including eight brand new tables and 56 chairs from Lowe's.
The Civilian Operations Dispatchers who work with the Boston Fire Department gathered for a free lunch from Legal Seafoods. The first responders were able to indulge in delicacies like lobster and shrimp cocktail.
Peter Clifford, the superintendent of the Fire Dispatch Center, explained to WHDH that the 911 dispatchers have an equally important role as the firefighters, as they are the eyes and ears of the operations during emergencies.
Other departments across the city were shown thanks with flowers and cakes from grateful civilians and schools.