Boston Strong! Bombing double amputee Jeff Bauman leaves hospital just 19 days after blast to open Bruins hockey game
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Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman was cheered on by Bostonions on Saturday night as he served as the official flag bearer at the Boston Bruins hockey game in his hometown.
The 27-year-old proudly waved a black flag bearing the slogan 'Boston Strong' as thousands of his neighbors applauded the survivor before the Bruins game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden in Boston.
Bauman lost both his legs in the devastating explosions on April 15 and a picture of his rescue that day has become one of the iconic images that represents the city's resolve after the blast.
We will overcome: Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman smiles as the crowd cheers for the 27-year-old at the Boston Bruins game on Saturday
Boston Strong: Jeff Bauman was honored as the official flag-bearer before Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in Boston
Survivor: Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman lost both his legs in the devastating explosion on April 15
Support: The crowd cheered in support of the 27-year-old, who waved a flag showing the solidarity of the city after the devastating blast
The emotional appearance occurred before the hockey game at TD Garden in Boston. The lights in the arena went dark as the marquee flashed an introduction for the guest.
'By now you know his inspirational story,' it said.
'His perseverance in the face of great adversity represents all that is Boston Strong.'
The spotlight flashed and centered on Bauman, who sat in his wheelchair waving the flag and throwing his free arm in the air.
The crowds rose to cheer on the survivor.
Duty: Carlos Arredondo, in the cowboy hat, helps Jeff Bauman, in a wheelchair, get medical attention after the deadly Boston Marathon bombings on April 15
Bond: Carlos Arredondo pictured visiting Jeff Bauman, as the 27-year-old receives treatment following the devastating attack
Bauman waved high the flag honoring the victims of the attack that killed 3 and left more than 260 injured.
'I want to thank everyone for their amazing
support for me and all those injured and their families,' Bauman said in
a statement after his appearance.
'I'm making great progress and I thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to respect our space at this time. I want to thank the Bruins players and organization for the generosity and support for all those impacted. Like all those in Black and Gold I can't wait to see them on another quest for the cup. Go Bruins!'
Bauman was standing near the finish line at the Boston race on April 15 when the twin blasts ripped through the crowd.
A photograph of the young man being assisted in the aftermath of the blast has become an iconic image of the strength and solidarity of the city following the tragedy.
In the photograph, Bauman is being rushed in a wheelchair by Carlos Arredondo, a cowboy hat wearing hero who was in the crowd cheering on soldiers running the marathon in memory of Arredondo's son who died in Iraq.
In the picture, Arredondo, 52, is seen rushing alongside Bauman and pinching closed a severed artery in one of his shattered legs.
Mr Arredondo said he kept talking to the man so he wouldn't lose consciousness.
Bauman is now at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where doctors say he is responding well to treatment.
Arredondo has visited Bauman as he progresses with his treatment and the two have formed a bond of friendship.
'When we first saw each other we hugged each other and I gave him a kiss on the cheek because it was very beautiful to see him doing very well,' Arredondo told WHDH.
'He was so happy to see me and he was so thankful. Tears were coming out of his eyes,' he said.
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Will the real Jeff Bauman... err Nick Vogt please stand up! Zombies
- Nym , Sydney, Australia, 07/5/2013 05:36
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