In the spirit of honoring “One Boston Day,” an event held annually on April 15 to commemorate those who were lost in the 2013 Boston Marathon, Mayor Martin Walsh said that this year the city will participate while also social distancing. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the city will host an online interfaith prayer service, streamed live on boston.gov and local cable access channels.

"This One Boston Day will be unlike any we've ever experienced. 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,” Walsh said in a video released Tuesday.

“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."

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, One Boston Day 2020 will not include the large-scale events and volunteer projects that have happened in past years.

This year, the city encourages residents to do everything they can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying at home if they are able to; wearing a face covering when leaving their home; showing appreciation for the first responders and healthcare workers who are working to stop the spread of COVID-19; and sharing a moment of kindness with family, friends, neighbors, and fellow Bostonians.

While practicing physical distancing, Walsh also urges residents to take time for personal reflection, and for spreading kindness. He is asking residents to safely participate by downloading a checklist with acts of kindness they can safely do from home.
More information on the event is available online at onebostonday.org.