This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27030310
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Boston to mark anniversary of marathon bombing | Boston to mark anniversary of marathon bombing |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Memorial ceremonies are beginning in the US city of Boston to mark the anniversary of the deadly bombing at last year's marathon. | |
US Vice-President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will attend a tribute at the Hynes Convention Center at midday (16:00GMT). | US Vice-President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will attend a tribute at the Hynes Convention Center at midday (16:00GMT). |
The flag will be raised and a moment of silence held at the finish line later. | |
Three people were killed and some 264 injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line at last year's race. | Three people were killed and some 264 injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line at last year's race. |
Tuesday's ceremonies will include representatives from families of the victims as well as members of the emergency services, government agencies and civic organisations. | Tuesday's ceremonies will include representatives from families of the victims as well as members of the emergency services, government agencies and civic organisations. |
This year's Boston Marathon is due to take place on 21 April. | This year's Boston Marathon is due to take place on 21 April. |
Victims' families | |
Tuesday's memorial events began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the explosions, attended by the families of the three bombing victims - Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and Lu Lingzi. | |
Relatives of university police officer Sean Collier, who was killed during a manhunt for the suspects, as well as state and local officials also attended the solemn ceremony. | |
Officials have told residents and visitors to expect a larger than normal police presence through the week leading up to the race. | |
However, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said it would be "the Boston Marathon as it has always been". | |
"Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the race," he said. | "Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the race," he said. |
City health officials say they have also made preparations to help those affected by the bombings cope with the anniversary. | City health officials say they have also made preparations to help those affected by the bombings cope with the anniversary. |
"The first anniversary of a disaster is always difficult," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Boston public health commission. | "The first anniversary of a disaster is always difficult," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Boston public health commission. |
In a statement, President Barack Obama said: "We send our thoughts and prayers to those still struggling to recover. | |
"One year later, we also stand in awe of the men and women who continue to inspire us - learning to stand, walk, dance and run again." | |
"And when the sun rises over Boylston Street next Monday - Patriot's Day - hundreds of thousands will come together to show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again." | |
Bombing suspect Dzokhar Tsarnaev, 20, is due to stand trial in November. He has pleaded not guilty to 30 charges, of which 17 carry the possibility of capital punishment. | Bombing suspect Dzokhar Tsarnaev, 20, is due to stand trial in November. He has pleaded not guilty to 30 charges, of which 17 carry the possibility of capital punishment. |
Prosecutors allege that he set off two pressure cooker bombs with his older brother Tamerlan, 26, who later died in a police shoot-out. |