Two years ago, the storied Boston Marathon ended in terror and altered the lives of runners, spectators and those who tried to come to their rescue.
Just last week, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted on 30 charges related to the bombings at the race and the dramatic violence that dragged out for days afterward. The jury will begin deliberating his punishment next week. The death penalty is on the table.
Dzhokhar and his brother Tamerlan, who was killed in a shootout with police, were intent on terrorizing not just Bostonians, but all Americans, prosecutors said.
But the Tsarnaevs were not on the minds of most people in Boston on Wednesday.
The injured victims and those who lost their lives were spoken of with reverence in somber ceremonies.
Relatives of 8-year-old Martin Richard, the attack’s youngest victim, and the family of Krystle Campbell stood with Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Martin Walsh. Bagpipes played and banners whipped in the wind on Boylston Street, the Boston Globe reported.
Boston University graduate student Lingzi Lu also was killed in one of the two horrific blasts that brought chaos to the competitors and spectators near the race’s finish line on April 15, 2013.
Many bombing survivors were in the crowd for Wednesday’s events, the newspaper said. They wore white, blue and yellow pins celebrating “One Boston Day,” which was created to recognize acts of valor and to encourage kindness among Bostonians.
Many there and those who couldn’t observe the day in person tweeted their respect and memories using #BostonDay.
The marathon historically happens on a Monday. This year, runners will take on the 26.2 mile challenge April 20.
“I think today will always be a little emotional for me — Marathon Monday is my favorite day of the year, and will continue to be, despite these tragedies,” Boston resident Lindsey Berkowitz told CNN. “I have so much respect and support for all of the survivors, and hope the city continues to come together on this day to embrace the strength and resilience of Boston, and the love we all have for this great city.”
Melanie DiVasta was working just a mile from the finish line in 2013 when one of the bombs set by the Tsarnaevs exploded.
Several of her friends were waiting at the finish line. They were unharmed.
“It was just an overwhelming feeling of shock to start hearing about it and seeing images,” DiVasta said. “You couldn’t help but cry and just ask why.”