Boston marks the third anniversary of bombings

Associated Press

BOSTON

Boston marked the third anniversary of the deadly 2013 marathon bombings Friday with subdued, silent remembrances.

Victims’ families laid wreaths at the spots where two pressure cooker bombs detonated near the Boylston Street finish line, killing three people and injuring more than 260.

The father of 29-year-old bombing victim Krystle Campbell, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and his wife, Lauren, placed one of the white flower wreaths.

Mayor Marty Walsh and the families of 8-year-old Martin Richard and 23-year-old Lingzi Lu – the other two killed – placed another wreath at the site of the second bomb blast.

No one spoke. A bagpipe played softly before the occasion, which was observed by nearly 100 people including survivors, their families and supporters.

A multicolored banner with a peace sign, a heart and words Martin Richard had written before his death – “no more hurting people ... peace” – hung on an empty storefront.

Two men placed crosses on a tree honoring the victims, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Officer Sean Collier, who was killed by the attackers in the ensuing manhunt.

Throughout the day, residents took part in blood drives, food and clothing collections and other community service projects as the city has proclaimed April 15 “One Boston Day,” a day to celebrate the city’s resilience through acts of kindness and generosity.

At 2:49 p.m., a citywide moment of silence marked the time when the first bomb detonated. Church bells tolled on Boylston Street as crowds gathered around the flower wreaths.

Many wore Boston Marathon jackets and left flowers and other mementos.

At one point, a handful of survivors, some walking on prosthetic legs, crossed the finish line together to applause.