BOSTON — Boston officials, organizations and residents came out for One Boston ceremonies and acts of service on Wednesday to begin the commemoration of tragic events of the marathon bombings 13 years ago. “One Boston Day recognizes the resiliency, generosity, and strength demonstrated by the people of Boston and those around the world in response to the tragedy of April 15, 2013,” the Boston ...

Bill and Patricia Campbell, parents of bombing victim Krystle Campbell, walk down Boylston Street to visit the Boston Marathon bombings memorial on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Matt Stone/Boston Herald/TNS

BOSTON — Boston officials, organizations and residents came out for One Boston ceremonies and acts of service on Wednesday to begin the commemoration of tragic events of the marathon bombings 13 years ago.

“One Boston Day recognizes the resiliency, generosity, and strength demonstrated by the people of Boston and those around the world in response to the tragedy of April 15, 2013,” the Boston Athletic Association posted on X. “Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston invite community-based organizations, businesses, City workers, and residents to come together for volunteer events and acts of kindness in recognition of our City’s spirit of care. Share your acts of kindness with #OneBostonDay.”

The One Boston events kicked off with a wreath-laying on Boylston Street as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. The events commemorate “the victims, survivors, and first responders of the tragic events” through ceremonies and service opportunities.

The wreath-laying included Mayor Michelle Wu, Gov. Maura Healey and families of those who lost loved ones in the bombing attacks. Every year, the group lays wreaths at the site of the bombings, followed by a tolling of the bell at Old South Church and moment of silence at 2:49 p.m.

The memorial recognizes those who died when the bombs went off near the marathon finish line — Martin Richard, 8, Krystle Campbell, 29, and Lu Lingzi, 23 — as well as MIT police officer Sean Collier, 27, who was shot and killed during the manhunt for the suspects days later, and Boston police officer Dennis Simmonds, 28, who died after a year from injuries sustained in a shootout with the bombers. Over 200 more were injured in the bombings.

“Today on One Boston Day we take time to honor and remember those we lost on that fateful day during the attack on our Boston Marathon,” the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association posted on X. “13-yrs later, we renew our promise to never forget Martin, Lingzi, Krystle, Sean and DJ. Always in our hearts. Forever #BostonStrong.”

Events continued with Stepping Strong Center Stop the Bleed Training, teaching participants how to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding.

Among many volunteer opportunities, residents can participate in the Franklin Park Cleanup on Saturday. The city hosts an opportunity to gather at the Franklin Park Playstead and beautify the park in honor of One Boston day annually, starting at 9 a.m.

“Twelve years ago, we endured a tragedy at the Boston Marathon that shook our city to the core,” Wu said. “Rather than come apart, we tapped into the wellspring of love that lives in every one of our neighborhoods. We mourned with families, supported survivors, and chose healing and kindness. Every year since, we have all — residents and visitors alike — come together on One Boston Day to perform acts of kindness for one another.”

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