Here’s how the city commemorated the 13th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing

In the days leading up to this year’s Boston Marathon, several service opportunities for volunteers will be available citywide.

Denise and Bill Richard walk past a Boston Marathon photo mural on a Boylston Street building. John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe

By Darin Zullo

April 15, 2026

2 minutes to read

Boston was forever changed 13 years ago when two bombs went off at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon.

Five people were killed in the bombings and their aftermath; hundreds more were injured. With tens of thousands of runners now preparing ahead of the 130th Boston Marathon, the city on Wednesday marked the anniversary of the tragedy in a day of service known as One Boston Day.

The main event was a procession down Boylston Street which ended with a wreath-laying in remembrance of the lives lost. Attendees included city and state officials, first responders, and the families of those killed or injured, according to The Boston Globe.

Spectators pause on the sidewalk of Boylston Street to pay respects to survivors and families who lost loved ones at the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. – John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe

“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 said in a statement. “Each year on One Boston Day, we honor that spirit by coming together to perform acts of kindness for one another and make a difference in our neighborhoods.”

Those acts of kindness will continue throughout the week leading up to Marathon Monday. The Mayor’s Office will lead a neighborhood cleanup Saturday morning starting at Franklin Park Playstead, according to city officials. Interested volunteers can register here.

Other events held Wednesday included citywide service opportunities and free bleeding control training held virtually and hosted by the Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Two of four memorial glass columns marking the site of the first Boston Marathon bombing glisten in the sun near the finish line on Boylston Street. – John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe

“One Boston Day is a time for all of us to remember, uplift, and extend gratitude to one another,” Jack Fleming, president and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association, said in the statement. “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.”