Politics

Obama, Biden observe Boston Marathon bombing anniversary

April 15, 2014 / 11:03 AM EDT / CBS News

President Obama is observing the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing with a private moment of silence and a statement honoring the victims.

Boston Strong: City honors bombing victims, celebrates survivors 02:30

At 2:49 p.m. ET, the president will observe a moment of silence in the Oval Office, closed to press, marking the moment the two bombs exploded near the marathon's finish line last April 15.

Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden is in Boston Tuesday and will speak at a memorial service there.

Mr. Obama released a statement Tuesday morning, remembering the victims and honoring the survivors and first responders.

Below is the president's full statement:

"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.

"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. With each new step our country is moved by the resilience of a community and a city. 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."

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