WATCH ABOVE: How Boston is commemorating the one year anniversary of the marathon bombings
Families of victims of the Boston Marathon bombings attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the explosions Tuesday morning.
Today marks the first anniversary of the blast, which killed three and injured more than 260 people on April 15, 2013.
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In Washington, President Barack Obama planned to observe the anniversary with a private moment of silence at the White House.
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“Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy,” Obama said in a statement. “And we offer our deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, runners and spectators who, in an instant, displayed the spirit Boston was built on – perseverance, freedom and love.”
Obama said this year’s race, scheduled for Monday, will “show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again.”
Boston police Commissioner Williams Evans said the anniversary is an emotional day and brings back “some terrible memories.”
“Hopefully, today brings the city and the families some sense of comfort and some healing,” Evans said before ceremonies began.
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