BOSTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Boston Athletic Association said Thursday there will be an invitation-only tribute event to mark the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings.
The group said in a release posted on its website that the official April 15 event will be held at the Hynes Convention Center, hosted jointly by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Gov. Deval Patrick in coordination with One Fund Boston. It will be by invitation only because of space limitations, the organization said.
"On April 15, we recall the courage, compassion and commitment of our great city and its people," Walsh said in the statement. "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."
Patrick said that while Boston was "put to the ultimate test" by the bombings that killed three people and injured at least 260 others the community "rose to the occasion [by] 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," Patrick said.
The association said the tribute event honoring those who lost their lives, survivors and first responders will include a flag-raising ceremony, a moment of silence and speeches by representative of victims' families, medical staff who treated patients, responding government agencies and civic leaders.
"We are humbled to participate in this tribute on behalf of the entire marathon community," association Executive Director Tom Grilk said. "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."
