April 15, 2014 marks the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings — a day that continues to resonate in both the minds of the people who were personally affected and the rest of the United States. Thanks to local officials in the Boston area, as well as heads of state, today will not be revered as a day of sorrow but instead a day of tribute and remembrance for the three people who passed away, over 260 who were injured, and the first responders who risked their lives to ensure the safety of those around them.

Like today, April 15, 2013 started off like any other day, with the exception of it being Patriots’ Day, and that the city of Boston prepared for its renowned marathon. As spectators from around the world piled in to either observe or participate in the race, no one could have guessed the horror that would unfold at the hands of Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. At 2:49 p.m., two bombs made out of pressure cookers exploded within seconds of each other near the race’s finish line.

The devastation of the event was profound, but even more profound was the response made by the city, the state of Massachusetts, and people around the county. Organized by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick a day after the bombings, The One Fund has been successful in raising enough money to assist survivors, the families of survivors, and the families of those slain. In the 75 days following April 15, upward of $61 million was raised in support of those who felt the greatest impact of the tragedy.

Now that a year has passed, we as a country have been asked to acknowledge the survivors of the attack and celebrate the lives of Martin William Richard, Krystle Marie Campbell, and Lu Lingzi. Today at 2:49 p.m., President Barack Obama has planned a moment of silence at the White House in memory of the bombings’ victims. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will also attend a memorial service at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center. To see what lengths not only a city but we as a nation will go to in support of our fellow Americans during their time of need goes to show just how many people are #BostonStrong.

Dear World, a love letter from Boston marathon bombing survivors. from Dear World on Vimeo.

Celeste Corcoran: A double amputee returns to the Boston Marathon Finish Line for the first time. from Dear World on Vimeo.