Red Sox honor Boston Marathon bombing victims on second anniversary
Two years after the Boston Red Sox played a key role in helping their city recover, refocus and remain united following the Boston Marathon bombing, Fenway Park was again the site for a powerful moment of reflection and unification on Wednesday afternoon.
At exactly 2:49 p.m. ET, two years to the moment that the attacks took place near the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street, the Red Sox interrupted their series finale against the Washington Nationals to observe a city-wide moment of silence held in remembrance of those killed or wounded in the attack.
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The moment was held during the fourth inning of Boston’s 10-5 loss to Washington. It was planned all along that the game would stop at just that exact moment, and the Nationals, to their credit, had no qualms about observing the moment with their on-field rivals.
The moment of silence was perhaps the most powerful moment of a day filled with special tributes and reflections.
Prior to the game, amputee bombing victims Jeff Bauman and Patrick Downes each threw out a ceremonial first pitch to a warm reception from the crowd.
Others survivors were honored as well. In fact, together they delivered the message to “Play ball,” while reminding the sold out crowd what Boston Strong stands for.
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It was an emotional day that took us back to that unforgettable Saturday afternoon two years ago. The city was still absorbing and processing all that had happened just five days earlier. The physical healing may have already started for some, but as a whole the city was still reeling when David Ortiz grabbed the microphone and delivered a message that lifted their spirits and reignited their flame.
For many, that moment was the beginning of the healing, and to see how far the victims and the city has come since that day is inspiring. Boston Strong isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life. And with each step forward the victims and the city take together in the aftermath, it only gets stronger.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
