4 years after deadly bombing, Boston pauses to reflect on community

BOSTON — Bostonians are marking the fourth anniversary of the deadly Boston Marathon attacks.

As runners from around the world arrived in Boston for the weekend, the city prepared for both the marathon and the memorials.

Police have been planning and setting up security for the more than half a million spectators and 30,000 runners for months.

Quiet remembrances have been planned Saturday to remember the victims.

The American Red Cross and FOX25 are partnering with the community to donate blood to help hospital patients in need. The Boston Strong Blood Drive serves as a healing moment and special way to honor this solemn occasion as well as give back on One Boston Day.

In those 2013 attacks, Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu and Krystal Campbell were killed and more than 260 others wounded when two bombs planted near the finish line exploded on April 15, 2013, spraying shrapnel into the crowds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer Sean Collier also was killed later while struggling with the bombers as they tried to steal his gun.

On the eve of the anniversary of the bombing, volunteers planted thousands of daffodils along the marathon course in solidarity.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Associated Press