Boston remembers marathon bombing one year later

BOSTON, April 15 (UPI) -- Boston is preparing for memorial services and tributes to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing on the one-year anniversary of the attack.

On April 15, 2013 two pressure cooker bombs exploded at 2:49 p.m. killing 3 and injuring 264 people 4 hours and 9 minutes into the Boston Marathon.

One million spectators are expected to be at the Boston Marathon next week -- twice the usual number of people who come to watch -- and that will only be part of a week-long tribute to remember those in the marathon last year.

Today's ceremonies will be marked with a moment of silence with Vice President Joe Biden in attendance.

People are lining the streets of the city with signs and flowers, holding vigils and services to remember those who died and those who were gravely injured.

The solemn week will end with the Boston Marathon on Monday, where officials have taken every security precaution possible to guarantee the safety of runners and spectators. Thousands more runners will be participating this year and this includes some of the people last year who were unable to finish the race due to the bombing.

The residents of Boston were praised for their quick disaster response as they rushed to the aid of those who were injured in the attack. It inspired the phrase "Boston strong" as the city recovered. In the Boston public library, hundreds of running shoes are on display to mark the tragedy.

"On April 15, we recall the courage, compassion, and commitment of our great city and its people," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Through this event, Boston again stands as one: paying tribute to all those affected by last year’s events and once again showing the world that Boston’s spirit of resiliency lives on."

[New York Times] [Competitor]