In Memoriam: Photo Series Remembers the 2013 Boston Marathon Deaths

Credit: Dear World

The 118th Boston Marathon will take place this coming Monday, April 21st, and will mark a spirited return of many who were injured in the 2013 attacks. Indeed, the Boston Marathon bombings continue not only to resonate with those involved in the race, but also to foster a sense of camaraderie for the entire city. This year’s race promises to demonstrate the profound unity of the Boston people and their determination to honor those lost and injured in the bombings.

“…the Boston Marathon bombings continue not only to resonate with those involved in the race, but also to foster a sense of camaraderie for the entire city.”

Credit: Dear World

The deaths and grief following the Boston Marathon attacks were tragic – but through such tragedy, the strength of a community was tested. It was this sense of spirit that inspired photographer Robert X. Fogarty to create a photo series celebrating those who will be returning to the race, and memorializing those who were lost in the violence. The photo series is presented through the organization Dear World, which describes itself as: “part business/art project/social experiment” aimed at providing “Stories of hope. Stories of struggle, [and] Stories of a brighter day.”

“The photo series is presented through the organization Dear World, which describes itself as part business/art project/social experiment”

Thousands gathered to run the 2013 marathon’s final mile in memoriam.
(Credit: NPR)

Three lives were lost in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, which also injured 264 others. In a recent Washington Post article, 26-year-old competitor Brian Cotter explained how he feels about returning to the race this year: “People who don’t run say, ‘Oh, you almost finished it.’ But it’s not about the distance. It’s about the race… I’m ready to go back, and finish the right way.”

“People who don’t run say, ‘Oh, you almost finished it.’ But it’s not about the distance.”

Fogarty’s photo series captures images of Marathon survivors sporting their running gear, ready to get back in action. Each has a motivated gaze, and painted across their bodies are the names of those injured and lost, or a motivational phrase. It’s a powerfully cathartic way to grieve and celebrate the loss of that day – an ‘in memoriam’ that will, literally, see them moving forward.

Credit: Dear World

Take Celeste and Sydney Corcoran, for example. Mother and daughter (respectively) will return to the race to finish what they started and to inspire others who may be grieving to stay strong. Celeste lost her legs in the bombings, while Sydney suffered severe injuries. Celeste reflected on the bombings on her website, commenting that “What happened that day was terror. Terror happens when love is absent. [But] Boston is a city of love stories now. Thank you for sharing yours here. As you heal, know you inspire the rest of us to be better, still.”

Related articles:

• Visit the official Dear World website
• USA Today’s coverage of the photo series
• The Boston Globe presents “A closer look at the demographics of the 2014 Boston Marathon” in their article.