(NECN: Josh Brogadir, Boston) - Sunday was an emotional, touching night at Fenway Park.
The fans were on their feet, wiping away tears, knowing how much Boston has been through in the last year.
"It was here that we heard a great philosopher say, 'this is our -- city," said the Fenway Park PA announcer, paraphrasing the unforgettable quote from David Ortiz from last April 20.
One year later, the outfield warning track was filled with canvasses, decorated and sent to Boston from each of the 50 states.
The bagpipes get you every time, played with vigor by the Boston Pipers Society, joined by the UMass Marching Band.
In came first responders, doctors and nurses, then the survivors.
The poise and resolve, the strength and determination, and the smiles on their faces.
Marathon icons Dick and Rick Hoyt ran in from center field one day before their final run from Hopkinton to Boston.
The visiting Orioles and hometown Red Sox joined the ceremony on the field.
Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick, former Boston Mayor Tom Menino and current Mayor Marty Walsh watched as southpaw Jim Gallagher, president of the One Fund, threw a one hopper to Big Papi.
This tribute could not end without thoughts of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, Officer Sean Collier and Lingzi Lu, whose family was here, all the way from China.
And then, it was time for baseball.
"Play ball," shouted the Lu family.
And as moving as this was, as loud the cheers, it just makes you know that Marathon Monday, with a million people along the course, will be sensational.
The game is an 11:05 a.m. start. The home team Red Sox will wear "Boston" on their home white jerseys, as they did last April 20 in the days following the tragedy.
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