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Boston to mark anniversary of marathon bombing Boston to mark anniversary of marathon bombing
(about 2 hours later)
Memorial ceremonies have begun in the US city of Boston to mark the anniversary of the deadly bombing at last year's marathon. Boston is marking the anniversary of the deadly bombing at last year's marathon, honouring the dead and lauding the character and strength of the survivors and the city's residents.
US Vice-President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick are attending a tribute at the Hynes Convention Center. US Vice-President Joe Biden told survivors they were an example "pure courage".
The flag will be raised and a moment of silence held at the finish line later. The city's leaders thanked those who saved lives in the frenzied aftermath.
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.
Participants in Tuesday's ceremonies include representatives from families of the victims and members of the emergency services, government agencies and civic organisations. Participants in Tuesday's ceremonies include representatives from families of the victims, members of the city's fire, police and ambulance services, government agencies and civic organisations.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mr Biden, former Mayor Thomas Menino, current Mayor Martin Walsh, Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and others.
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 'Own' the finish
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.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. Relatives of university police officer Sean Collier, who was killed during a manhunt for the suspects, 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. An invitation-only audience of about 2,500 people gathered at the city's convention centre at midday to remember victims and honour those who responded to the attack.
"This day will always be hard, but this place will always be strong," Mr Menino said. "Even though the memory still brings tears to our eyes and our heart aches for those we have lost, it's a comfort to be here with family and friends who got us through that tragic day."
Several survivors spoke at the event, including Patrick Downes and dancer Adrianne Haslet-Davis, both of whom lost their lower left legs in the bombings.
"We should have never met this way, but we are so grateful for each other," Mr Downes said, describing the sense of community that has developed among those who were injured.
The programme finished with remarks from Mr Biden, who said last year, "the whole world witnessed ordinary people doing extraordinary things".
Mr Biden ended the tribute to loud applause: "We are Boston. We are America. We respond. We endure. We overcome, and we own the finish line."
'Enjoy the race'
As the race approaches, officials have warned residents and visitors to expect a larger than normal police presence in the city streets.
However, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said it would be "the Boston Marathon as it has always been".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. Bombing suspect Dzhokhar 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.
"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.
Prosecutors allege that he set off two pressure cooker bombs with his older brother Tamerlan, 26, who later died in a police shoot-out.Prosecutors allege that he set off two pressure cooker bombs with his older brother Tamerlan, 26, who later died in a police shoot-out.