On Tuesday, spectators crowded Boylston Street to remember the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. A tribute event took place at the nearby Hynes Convention Center where political leaders including the mayor, governor and Vice President of the United States each spoke in reflection. From there, the tribute will then proceed to a flag raising and moment of silence at the finish line at 2:49 p.m.

At the exact same time one year ago, the two pressure cooker explosives detonated killing three and injuring upwards of 264. Packed with improvised shrapnel, the bombs claimed the lives of Krystle Campbell, Martin Richard and Lu Lingzi, as well as many of the limbs of those directly in the line of fire.

Holding the moment of silence at that precise time and raising the flag shortly thereafter is a testament to those most deeply affected, but also is a sign of hope and optimism for time to come. Boston is moving forward; this year’s race expects record crowds.

As Vice President Joe Biden stated during the tribute, “We are Boston. We are America. We respond. We Endure. We overcome. And we own the finish line.”