As the anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing came around April 15, thousands gathered at the finish line to honor the victims, first responders, and all those affected by the tragedy. Among the attendees were Vice President Joe Biden, Governor Deval Patrick, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, and Former Boston Mayor Tom Menino.

At 2:49 p.m., exactly one year later from the time the two bombs exploded near the finish line, a moment of silence was held for the 3 killed and 264 injured last year, followed by church bells ringing and a tribute procession through the city.

Just six days later, the 2014 Boston Marathon commenced, with 36,000 runners there to race the 26.2 miles through the streets of Boston and 3,500 policeman—double the amount from last year—to watch over the race. This year’s turnout included over 5,000 runners from last year’s race and 9,000 additional runners compared to the usual attendance.

This year was also the first time since 1985 that an American has won the Boston Marathon, as Meb Keflezighi, a 38-year-old from San Diego, crossed the finish line with a time of 2:08:28. Ten minutes later, Rita Jeptoo won the women’s division with a time of 2:18:57.

Despite the tragic overtones of the entire event, the city and its supporters garnered massive crowds, showing their support for the resilience of the victims and the runners. Signs of encouragement saying “We’re Back” and the official sign of the marathon—“Today we run as one”—were posted throughout the race, further showing the unity and pride of the both the runners and supporters of the race. The night before the race, the Boston Red Sox held a pre-game tribute at Fenway Park that mourned those killed and celebrated the resilience of those injured. A powerful #WeWillRun Boston Marathon video released further commemorated the resilience of the city. Sports Illustrated also released a new issue with a cover photo of 3,000 Bostonians gathered on Boylston Street at the finish line to commemorate the anniversary of the bombings.

In a statement April 15, President Obama said, “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.”

Indeed, the heroic acts of the runners, first responders, and supporters at last year’s event exhibited the courage and resilience of Boston, and the massive support shown this year only proves that this city, no matter what it suffers through, will never be put down. Boston Strong.