Boston Marathon bombing anniversary April 15 declared "One Boston Day"
BOSTON -- The city of Boston is turning April 15, the date of a deadly attack on the Boston Marathon two years ago, into a day of service.
Mayor Marty Walsh announced Thursday that from now on, April 15 will be known as "One Boston Day" in the city. Walsh told CBS Boston it will be "a new tradition to honor the resiliency, generosity and strength" of Boston.
Three people were killed and more than 260 others were injured when homemade bombs exploded near the marathon finish line on April 15, 2013.
"It's a day everyone should come together, spread goodwill throughout the city and recommit ourselves to our deepest values," Walsh told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
The mayor plans to mark April 15 this year by raising honorary banners on Boylston Street to honor victims and survivors of the bombing.
Walsh envisions One Boston Day as an opportunity for Boston residents to give back.
"I think a lot of the survivors want to take this opportunity and take a 'One Boston Day' as a way for people to go out and help someone else," Walsh said. "It shows the commitment, resilience and strength of our city, and the compassion of our city."
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, accused in the attack along with his older brother, Tamerlan, could face the death penalty if he's convicted in a federal trial underway in Boston.
Tsarnaev's brother was killed in a shootout with police three days after the marathon attack, shortly after the brothers allegedly shot and killed an MIT police officer.
On Thursday, prosecutors filed state charges against Tsarnaev for the bombing and murder.