(NBC) -
Five years after bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, families of victims laid wreaths at the site of the blasts.
The bombings claimed three lives and forever changed many more.
"These years have been full and filled with hard work, and the hard work of healing," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said.
At 2:49 p.m., the moment the first bomb exploded, the city observed a moment of silence and the bell rang at the Old South Church.
Security at the marathon was heightened after the bombings.
Police say they are ready for tomorrow's race.
"We don't want to get complacent after what happened five years ago and that's something we continually stress," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said.
And on the eve of the 2018 marathon, the mayor believes the tragedy has united the city.
"We have reclaimed the finish line and Boston has emerged with a new strength, a resilience rooted in love," Walsh said.
Five years after the bombings, Boston is strong.
