By David Li, bostonese.com
Boston, April 15, 2014, — On a rainy and windy day in Boston, ceremonies marking one year anniversary were held in Boston and across the nation. Bombing victims Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard, and MIT police officer Sean Collier were remembered with a moment of silence at around 2:46 PM at a ceremony near the Boston Marathon finish line in front of Boston Public Library.
(L to R)Mayors Menino, Walsh, Vice President Biden and Gov. Patrick observe a moment of silence near Boston Marathon finish line on April 15, 2014.
In his speech, Biden pointed out that American people have endured this tragedy over the past year, and claimed that the terrorists don’t own the finish line.
“Next Monday, on Patriots’ Day, when I’m told up to 36,000 people will line up to start the marathon, you will send a resounding message around the world not just to rest of the world, but to the terrorists that we will never yield. We will never cower. America will never, ever, ever stand down. We are Boston. We are America. We respond. We endure. We overcome. And we own the finish line,” said Biden.
An American flag was raised after observing a moment of silence at the ceremony on Boylston Street.
At 2:49 ET this afternoon, President Obama observed a moment of silence to mark the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing.
President Obama released a statement this morning on the tragedy:
“A year ago, tragedy struck at the 117th Boston Marathon. Four innocent people were killed that week, and hundreds more were wounded. Today, we remember Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard, and Sean Collier. And we send our thoughts and prayers to those still struggling to recover.
We also know that the most vivid images from that day were not of smoke and chaos, but of compassion, kindness and strength: A man in a cowboy hat helping a wounded stranger out of harm’s way; runners embracing loved ones, and each other; an EMT carrying a spectator to safety. Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. 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.”