FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Plans Announced for Boston Marathon Tribute
Mayor, Governor to Co-Host Event Honoring Those Affected by 2013 Events
BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association announced today plans for an
official tribute event to mark the one year anniversary of April 15, 2013.
The event, hosted jointly by Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Governor
Deval L. Patrick in coordination with One Fund Boston will be held at the
Hynes Convention Center in Boston on April 15, 2014.
"On April 15, we recall the courage, compassion, and commitment of our
great city and its people," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Through
this event, Boston again stands as one: paying tribute to all those
affected by last year's events and once again showing the world that
Boston's spirit of resiliency lives on."
"As a community, we were put to the ultimate test by the events at last
year's Boston Marathon," said Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick. "But
we rose to the occasion: turning to each other, rather than against and
showing the world what a strong community looks like. Though we all had our
lives affected in profoundly different ways, this Tribute will show the
world again that we stand as one."
The tribute will honor those affected by last year's events, including
those who lost their lives, survivors and first responders. Featured at the
event will be speakers representing families of those affected, medical
staff who treated patients, responding government agencies and a host of
civic leaders. The event will conclude with a flag-raising ceremony and
brief moment of silence.
"We are humbled to participate in this tribute on behalf of the entire
Marathon community," said Tom Grilk, executive director of the Boston
Athletic Association. "We continue to express our deepest gratitude to all
those who courageously reacted to help save lives. And we remain committed
to showing our support and encouragement for those that were injured or
lost a loved one. What's clear is that the bravery and tenacity exhibited
in the moments following last year's events are attributes that continue to
define our community today. That's what we seek to honor at this event."
Because of space restrictions, access to the Hynes Convention Center will
be by invitation only. More details on the event, including a list of
speakers and other program elements, logistics for the public, and media
access will be released at a later date.
About the Boston Athletic Association
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is a
non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle
through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the
world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local
events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running
programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been
John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon is part of the World Marathon
Majors, along with the international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin,
Chicago, and New York City. More than 65,000 individuals will participate
in B.A.A. events in 2014. The 118th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday,
April 21, 2014. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit
www.baa.org.
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