Boston Bruins Honor Lewiston, Maine, Mass Shooting Victims in Multiple Ways
The October 25 mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, has been very reminiscent of the Boston Marathon bombing 10 years ago, almost too reminiscent.
The sheltering in place, the lockdown, the manhunt, the essential "frozen in place" feeling that all of Maine is seemingly going through right now while we just wait for Robert Card to be found, captured, and the healing can begin.
Not just the fear and "frozen feeling," though, are reminiscent of the Marathon Bombings. The good (which feels so weird and out of pocket to say) is also reminiscent -- and by good, we mean the love, the support, and the compassion being felt not only by Mainers for their fellow neighbors, but by people from away.
That includes our New England sports teams showing us love, just like they did 10 years ago.
Bruins Create 'Lewiston Strong' Jersey
Much like the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins did back in 2013 following the Marathon Bombings in creating special 'Boston Strong' jerseys with the Boston 617 area code displayed, Thursday night was one of the many ways the Bruins honored Lewiston and all of the state with the creation of a 'Lewiston Strong' jersey and Maine's 207 area code displayed.
That was just the beginning, as the Bruins (as well as their opponents last night, the Anaheim Ducks) used blue-colored tape on their hockey sticks in tribute to Lewiston.
Carrying blue-taped hockey sticks wasn't the only tribute that the B's carried for Lewiston during the entirety of the game last night, as every player also displayed the state of Maine with a heart placed where Lewiston is located on the back of their helmets.
And that's not all, either. Not even close.
Boston Bruins Create Fund for Lewiston, Maine, Victims
According to Boston 25 News, the Bruins have also created a fund that will benefit the victims of the Lewiston shootings on Wednesday night as well as their families, and have pledged a minimum of $100,000. If you're able to make a contribution, you can do so by visiting TheMaineFund.org.
Finally, the Bruins held a 50/50 raffle last night at the game as well as on their website with proceeds going to benefit their Lewiston Strong Fund.
Not that we're shocked, but this is truly how we roll in New England. When something like this happens, be it in Lewiston, another part of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts -- anywhere in New England. When something tragic happens, everyone else stands up.
Further proof that you may be able to break our hearts, but you can't break our spirits or our bond.
Shooting in Lewiston 10/25/23
Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander