Boston: Massachusetts Governor and Boston Mayor called people to join together in a "Moment of Silence" Monday as a mark of respect, exactly a week after the twin blasts at a city marathon that killed three people and injured more than 180 others.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino called upon the city and all communities across the State to join together in a moment of silence today afternoon, the joint statement said.
"The minute of silence will take place at 2:50 PM to honor the victims of the attacks and their families. It will be followed by the ringing of bells throughout Boston and the Commonwealth," the statement said.
Menino and Patrick are humbled by the support shown by the public and the business community, and they continue to encourage everyone to visit onefundboston.Org to make a donation to help the victims of this tragedy, it said.
After the terrorist attack, Patrick and Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday`s Boston Marathon.
"I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help, The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support," Patrick said.
The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a USD 1 million commitment from John Hancock. According to Menino, support from the business community was immediate.
"Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends," he said.
Meanwhile, the city announced plans to reopen the crime scene -- Boylston Street and the Copley Square area of Boston. The Five phase plan will commence when the scene is cleared by Federal Authorities and returned to the City of Boston.
"Nearly a week ago our City took a deep breath and was forced to dive into a pool of uncertainty and fear," Mayor Menino said.
"Friday as our officers reported to the world `we got him`, a huge sigh of relief was felt across our great city and nation so now it is time for us to start moving our city forward," he told reporters at a news conference.
"The deliberate, step-by-step nature of our approach is reflective of our overarching concern of the health and safety of our citizens," Menino said.
PTI
