


Boston never forgets.
That perseverance will be on display today at the 127th running of the Boston Marathon and was also found at Fenway Park Sunday afternoon and Sunday night at the Greg Hill Foundation’s 10 Years Stronger fundraiser.
“We love you Boston strong,” said Marty Walsh, the former mayor and Labor Secretary who has jumped to the NHL Players’ Union.
But he summed up the overwhelming spirit shared by everyone at the event — from Bruin Cam Neely, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, bombing survivor Paul Norden, music lover and car magnate Ernie Boch Jr., WEEI personality Greg Hill, former Suffolk DA Dan Conley and hundreds more — who promised to help bombing survivors “in perpetuity.”
That’s a long time.
“This is the best city in the world,” said Norden, who lost his right leg a decade ago in the bombings on Boylston Street. He was at the event along with what seemed to be the entire city.
But it’s what he told the Herald next that really matters. Ten years is a long time to put up with the pain. It’s a long time to face adversity. Questions. Obstacles. But to be lifted by this city again means everything.
“This is an awesome end to the 10 years,” Norden said.
Neely had the same sentiment.
“This event is perfect. It really is Boston Strong. This city always rallies around each other,” the Bruin great said. “It’s an amazing place and it will always be my home.”
The pain may be flowing back for many, but Sunday’s fund-raiser was designed to help survivors know if they need help, all they have to do is ask.
“This is a city that never forgets,” said Hill. “It’s a city that makes a promise and we will be here for you.”
Grousbeck said first responders and police officers “who ran into the fire” also have a special place in the history of Boston and the memory of a day a decade ago that left so many hurting.
“We came together,” said Conley. “We care for each other.”
That was the theme of the evening. Boston never forgets.