“Boston Strong” is more than just words. It is an idea. It’s a feeling. Right here we stand before the Boston Strong Blue plaque. It serves as a permanent reminder of the city’s resilience after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
The slogan “Boston Strong” emerged quickly. It appeared as a popular hashtag on Twitter in the hours after the April 15, 2013, bombing. Christopher Dobens, Nicholas Reynolds, and Lane Brenner created a T-shirt campaign. These Emerson College students wanted to express Boston’s unity.
The slogan showed up everywhere. It was on T-shirts. It was emblazoned on the “Green Monster” wall at Fenway Park. The Boston Bruins displayed it on their helmets just two days after the tragedy. At the first baseball game after the bombing, the announcer declared “We are one. We are strong. We are Boston. We are Boston strong.”
The phrase became a symbol. It represented the community coming together to support one another. It was a message of hope. It was a reminder to keep pushing forward during the healing process. Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said “Boston Strong” embodies our city’s resilience and spirit. It carries us forward in good times and bad.
But where did it come from? The roots of “Boston Strong” can be traced back. The Livestrong bracelets marketed by the Livestrong Foundation in 2003 inspired it. The United States Army’s “Army Strong” motto also influenced the slogan. “Jersey Strong” became popular after Hurricane Sandy’s destruction.
“Boston Strong” raised over $80 million. The One Fund Boston collected and distributed these funds. A concert called “Boston Strong An Evening of Support and Celebration” took place at TD Garden. Aerosmith, James Taylor, and the New Kids on the Block performed. They wanted to show their support.
The slogan wasn’t without its critics. Some felt it became overly commercialized. Others thought it downplayed the severity of the tragedy. However, for many, “Boston Strong” was uplifting. It brought positivity to Boston during a horrible time. Injured individuals felt empowered. It pushed them through their recovery.
Jeff Bauman lost both legs in the blast. He became a public face of Boston’s quest for justice. His survival and determination inspired others. He demonstrated that Boston Strong is about being strong together. It is about inspiring others to continue their recovery.
This Boston Strong Blue plaque serves as a testament to the city’s spirit. It symbolizes unity. It embodies strength. It provides inspiration. The phrase will forever stick with Boston. It will always keep the city united.