Boston Strong

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

In the hours following the April 15, 2013 attack, "Boston Strong" spread globally as a hashtag before becoming a physical symbol of Boston's recovery. The slogan was a variation on the 2004 "Livestrong" term and drew inspiration from earlier movements like "Jersey Strong." By the time the Bruins returned to play, the phrase had already appeared on merchandise and signage across the city. During the team's first game back at TD Garden (Game 1 of the First Round against the Toronto Maple Leafs), the arena became a sea of unity as the slogan was integrated directly into their equipment. The Bruins wore helmets featuring the slogan during this return match two days post-attack, aligning the franchise with the city's emotional state as they navigated a tense playoff run. Meanwhile, the Red Sox held their first home game at Fenway Park on April 20, where the stadium announcer declared, "We are one. We are strong. We are Boston. We are Boston strong," echoing the sentiment that permeated all local sports venues. The phrase was not limited to the team alone; it appeared on the "Green Monster" wall at Fenway Park and was adopted by fans as a badge of solidarity. While the slogan eventually faced criticism for commercialization from figures like Wesley Lowery and Bill Maher, its initial deployment by the Bruins and the city remained a raw expression of collective strength in the face of tragedy.

In Their Own Story

Two days after the bombing on April 15, 2013, the Boston Bruins took to the ice at TD Garden with a message etched onto their helmets. The arena buzzed with a different kind of energy, one focused less on the Stanley Cup chase and more on healing. Fans arrived wearing merchandise created by Emerson College students Christopher Dobens, Nicholas Reynolds, and Lane Brenner, who had launched the T-shirt campaign in the immediate aftermath. The slogan "Boston Strong" was no longer just words; it was a visual shield worn by players and supporters alike. The connection extended beyond the Bruins to other local institutions. At Fenway Park, the "Green Monster" displayed the phrase, and during the first baseball game there after the attack, an announcer led the crowd in chanting, "We are one. We are strong. We are Boston. We are Boston strong." Later that year, on May 29, a massive concert titled "Boston Strong: An Evening of Support and Celebration" filled TD Garden with performances by Aerosmith, James Taylor, New Kids on the Block, and others. While these events generated significant attention, distinct financial streams emerged; videos from the entertainment industry were not associated with the bostonstrong.org charity, which operated separately alongside The One Fund Boston.

Reader's Guide

To understand the "Boston Strong" era for Bruins fans, one must look at the specific timeline of April and May 2013. The movement began on Twitter hours after the bombing and was formalized by Emerson College students who created a T-shirt campaign. By April 17, trademark applications were already filed by private individuals seeking to own the phrase, though legal experts predicted denial due to its public domain status. For fans attending games during this period, the slogan was visible on Bruins helmets and surrounding signage. The atmosphere at TD Garden shifted from standard playoff tension to a collective display of defiance. It is important to distinguish between the cultural phenomenon and specific charitable entities. While The One Fund Boston collected over $80 million before closing in 2015, other ventures like the bostonstrong.org charity operated independently. Furthermore, commercial merchandise featuring the slogan was widespread, but revenue from entertainment videos did not flow into these charitable funds. Fans seeking to honor this history should note that the phrase's usage expanded globally, influencing similar slogans for other tragedies, yet its origin remains strictly tied to the Boston Marathon bombing and the immediate response of the city and its sports teams.

Did You Know?

• The slogan was created as a T-shirt campaign by Emerson College students Christopher Dobens, Nicholas Reynolds, and Lane Brenner.
• The Boston Bruins displayed the "Boston Strong" slogan on their helmets two days after the April 15, 2013 bombing during Game 1 of the First Round playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden.
• While the Bruins returned to play at TD Garden two days after the attack, the Red Sox held their first home game at Fenway Park five days later on April 20, 2013.
• The One Fund Boston collected and distributed over $80 million before closing in 2015.
• A concert featuring Aerosmith, James Taylor, and New Kids on the Block was held at TD Garden in late May under the title "Boston Strong: An Evening of Support and Celebration."