On Wednesday, April 15, the City of Boston honors Boston’s resilience, generosity, and strength with a day of reflection and service known as “One Boston Day.”
Started 6 years ago by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to commemorate the tragic events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon, One Day Boston has become a powerful movement founded in peace, kindness, reflection and hope.
One Boston Day 2020 will not include large-scale events and volunteer projects of past years. Instead, the city encourages residents to help slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying at home; wearing a face covering when leaving their home; showing appreciation for the first responders and healthcare workers who are working on behalf our citizens everywhere; and sharing a moment of kindness with family, friends, neighbors and fellow Bostonians.
“This One Boston Day will be unlike any we’ve ever experienced,” said Mayor Walsh. “To honor this day, I urge our residents to stand together by staying apart. The coronavirus pandemic is testing our city’s strength and resilience once again, and our residents are rising to the occasion. The positive impact that people can make this year is bigger than ever, and the spirit behind One Boston Day is more important than ever. I ask all residents to do their part. Help us slow the spread of the virus, and make a difference in the lives of those we love.”
While practicing physical distancing, the Mayor is encouraging Bostonians to take time for personal reflection and for spreading kindness. He is asking residents to safely participate in One Boston Day by downloading this checklist with acts of kindness they can safely do from home.
At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, the City of Boston hosts an online interfaith prayer service for those who wish to attend. The service is being streamed live on boston.gov, and on local cable access channels. Mayor Walsh is also encouraging people to share their reflections on the meaning of One Boston Day on social media with the hashtag #OneBostonDay.