(CNN) -- A moment of silence at the finish line, the tolling of church bells and a solemn flag-raising ceremony capped the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing on Tuesday. 
 
 Under a steady rain on Boylston Street, where two homemade bombs last April 15 marked the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11, scores gathered in the personification of a slogan that captured the country: "Boston Strong." 
 
 After a stirring rendition of "God Bless America," ordinary people, bombing survivors, first responders and dignitaries -- including Vice President Joe Biden -- bowed their heads in a moment of silence, saw the American flag raised, and sang the national anthem shortly before 3 p.m. on the spot where explosions, carnage, screams and smoke interrupted one of the city's most joyous and popular events one year ago. 
 
 Earlier, thousands gathered to mark the anniversary of a horror that shook the nation. 
 
 "We would never wish the devastation and pain we have experienced on any of you," said Patrick Downes, who was among the many injured in the twin bombings at last year's Boston Marathon. "However, we do wish that all of you, at some point in your lives, feel as loved as we have felt this last year. It has been the most humbling experience of our lives. We hope you feel all the emotion we feel when we say 'thank you.'" 
 
 Downes was a newlywed at the time of the attack. He and his wife, Jessica Kensky, each lost a leg. 
 
 Before the crowd gathered Tuesday at the Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, he spoke of the three people killed in the blasts and a university police officer killed days later amid efforts to catch the suspects. He called them "guardian angels." 
 
 "Let's show them they live on in our bonds of family, friendship and community and in the infectious spirit we will feel on the third Monday in April for years to come." That's the date of the marathon. 
 
 After a string of speakers, Biden began his remarks by saying, "I've never witnessed a tribute like I heard today." To the survivors, he said, "My God, you have survived and you have soared. You are truly inspiring. I've never heard anything so beautiful as what all of you just said." 
 
 "So much has been taken from you, but you never, never have given up," he said. 
 
 "You have become the face of America's resolve for the whole world to see," Biden said, adding that people all around the world know the pride, courage, and resolve of Bostonians. "That's why the twisted, cowardly terrorists who acted here and in other places do what they do. They try to instill fear so that we will jettison what we value the most and what the world most values about us: an open society, our system of justice, our freedom of religion; our access to opportunity, the free flow of information and ideas." 
 
 The terrorists, Biden said, "wanted to make America afraid so that maybe, maybe, we'd begin to change our ways. That's the objective -- the very soul of who we are. They figured if they instill enough fear, we will change. And it infuriates them that we refuse to bend, refuse to change, refuse to yield to fear. 
 
 "You are Boston strong. But America is strong. ... That's what makes us so proud of this city and this state. What makes me so proud to be an American is that we have never, ever yielded to fear. Never." 
 
 At the marathon, "the whole world witnessed ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things" to help each other, the vice president said. 
 
 "America will never, ever, ever stand down," he said. "We are Boston. We are America. We respond, we endure, we overcome and we own the finish line." 
 
 'Boston strong' 
 
 "Next week, we will run again," said Tom Grilk, executive director of the Boston Athletic Association. "But on this day, in this place, in remembrance and resolve, we gather as citizens of Boston, Boston strong." 
 
 One year ago, "the very fabric of this community was tested to its core," he said, but the city "inspired." 
 
 "You are strong at this broken place," former Mayor Tom Menino told the crowd, adding, "the heartbeat of Boston is a mighty force." 
 
 To those who lost loved ones and to the many who were wounded, Menino said, "whatever you have to do to recover and carry on, know that the people of Boston and I will be right there by your side." Menino was mayor at the time of the attack. 
 
 On April 15, 2013, the Patriots' Day bombings killed three people, including an 8-year-old boy, and wounded at least 264 others. The city then underwent days of fear as the two identified suspects, the Tsarnaev brothers, were on the run. Police say they killed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer in the process, and then Tamerlan Tsarnaev was run over by his younger brother, Dzhokhar, as they battled police. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has pleaded not guilty to 30 counts and is scheduled to go on trial in November. 
 
 Obama: Boston will show it 'chooses to run again' 
 
 "A year ago, tragedy struck at the 117th Boston Marathon," President Obama said in a written statement Tuesday. "Four innocent people were killed that week, and hundreds more were wounded. Today, we remember Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard, and Sean Collier. And we send our thoughts and prayers to those still struggling to recover... 
 
 "One year later, we also stand in awe of the men and women who continue to inspire us -- learning to stand, walk, dance and run again. With each new step our country is moved by the resilience of a community and a city. And when the sun rises over Boylston Street next Monday -- Patriot's Day -- hundreds of thousands will come together to show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again." 
 
 David Yepez, a teen who was wounded in the attack, followed Downes at Tuesday's ceremony. He hailed the first responders, doctors and others who helped in the wake of the bombings. "Thank you for your love, compassion and generosity," Yepez said. "You have touched our hearts in a way that, many times, our gratitude could only be expressed through our tears of joy." 
 
 Adrianne Haslet-Davis, a dancer who lost her left foot in the attack, told the crowd, "If anyone is wondering what they can do, what you can do, I would answer: Look around. People in your community need your support. They need your patience and they need your time. ... Let April 15 be a day when we all work together to make this world a better place." 
 
 Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said, "We share the same fears, the same hopes, the same community," he said. "We are, in the end, one community." 
 
 He added that he hopes "as we remember the dead and encourage the injured, that we remember community. ... The power of love itself -- that's what community is." 
 
 A series of musical performances helped set a solemn but hopeful tone for the ceremony. The world-renowned Boston Pops orchestra performed, with singer Renese King singing both "America the Beautiful" and "For Good," a song from the musical "Wicked." The Boston Children's Chorus performed "Up to the Mountain." 
 
 A year after the bombings, families of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the loss. 
 
 "She had that special, I don't know what it is, that special thing about her," said Lillian Campbell, grandmother of bombing victim Krystle Campbell, 29. "And you felt happy around her because she was always laughing and bubbly. I loved her." 
 
 Some victims injured in the attack are showing their perseverance by planning to take part in this year's marathon, scheduled for Monday -- even victims who suffered severe injuries. 
 
 "Last year, I was on the ground at the finish line. This year, I'll be running across it," said Kevin White. "It kind of proves to people that evil isn't going to win." White, then 34, had shrapnel through his legs a year ago. His 71-year-old father, Bill, lost a leg. 
 
 Authorities have announced extensive security plans for this year's marathon, which is expected to bring in $176 million for the Boston area's economy. 
 
 Brothers Paul and J.P. Norden each lost a leg in the attack last year. On Tuesday, they began a trek: walking the entire 26.2-mile marathon route, along with family and good friends. "I feel so blessed," their mother, Liz, said in a Facebook post, adding that she couldn't be prouder. 
 
 Police investigate bags near finish line 
 
 Hours after Tuesday's anniversary event, a police bomb squad investigated two backpacks near the marathon finish line, cordoning off the area. They "disrupted and rendered safe" both bags, police spokesman David Estrada said. In a Twitter post, police said the detonations were "precautionary measures." 
 
 The bags were found around 6:50 p.m., police said. One bag was unattended, while the other one was worn by an individual. 
 
 A Boston police officer noticed a man walking down Boylston Street barefoot in the rain and wearing a backpack, 
 
 The officer asked him what was in the backpack. The man said there was a rice cooker in the backpack, Boston Police Superintendent Randy Halstead said. 
 
 "Training kicked in. We looked into the backpack, saw that it was what appeared to be a rice cooker, had the individual take the knapsack off, drop it on the street, and he was taken into custody," Halstead said. 
 
 Police spokesman Mike McCarthy said the man "got very vocal. He was yelling something." 
 
 The man, in his early 20s, has not been publicly identified. 
 
 He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and possession of a hoax device, Halstead said. The bag was inspected and deemed safe. 
 
 The second bag, which was abandoned, belonged to a media outlet, a law enforcement source said. 
 
 An FBI spokeswoman said the agency was assisting police. 
 
 Earlier Tuesday, police responded to a report of a possible pipe bomb near Boston's South Station. Investigators determined it wasn't an explosive, but rather a high-voltage fuse that didn't pose a threat, state officials said. 
 
 Authorities seemed to be bracing for the possibility of more bomb scares. 
 
 "To ease fears & concerns relating to backpacks," Boston Police said in a Twitter post Tuesday night that they were "discouraging their use" at this year's marathon. 
 
 CNN's Susan Candiotti, Haimy Assefa and Holly Yan contributed to this report. ||||| BOSTON (AP) — Survivors, first responders and family members of those killed came together Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing with solemn ceremonies. 
 
 The Richard family along with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick participate in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings,... (Associated Press) 
 
 A Boston Police honor guard is posted outside the Forum restaurant, the site of the second of two bombs that exploded near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, Tuesday, April 15, 2014 in Boston.... (Associated Press) 
 
 A law enforcement official searches a man near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Boston. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to be among the dignitaries Tuesday during... (Associated Press) 
 
 Heather McDade, of Boston, center, reacts while watching a tribute ceremony with others on an over-sized outdoor monitor, Monday, April 14, 2014, on Boylston Street, in Boston. The ceremony is being held... (Associated Press) 
 
 Heather McDade, of Boston, right, reacts while watching a tribute ceremony with others on an over-sized outdoor monitor, Monday, April 14, 2014, on Boylston Street, in Boston. The ceremony is being held... (Associated Press) 
 
 Honor Guard members line up in front of the Forum Restaurant in Copley Square, where a wreath laying ceremony was held to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, Tuesday,... (Associated Press) 
 
 Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, left, along with the Richard family and family members of Lingzi Lu walk with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, second from right, as they attend ceremonies to commemorate the... (Associated Press) 
 
 Police on bikes cycle across the Boston Marathon finish line prior to a remembrance ceremony for family members and survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing on Boylston Street in Boston, Tuesday,... (Associated Press) 
 
 People photograph a banner reading "Boston Strong" as it hangs at Rowes Wharf on the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Boston. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes) (Associated Press) 
 
 A law enforcement official patrols the area with a dog near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Boston. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to be among the dignitaries... (Associated Press) 
 
 "This day will always be hard, but this place will always be strong," former Mayor Thomas Menino told an invitation-only audience of about 2,500 people gathered at the Hynes Convention Center, not far from the marathon finish line where three people died and more than 260 others were injured a year ago. 
 
 In Washington, President Barack Obama planned to observe the anniversary with a private moment of silence at the White House. 
 
 "Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy," Obama said in a statement. "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." 
 
 Obama said this year's race, scheduled for Monday, will "show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again." 
 
 Vice President Joe Biden was in Boston for the ceremony, and he said the courage shown by survivors and those who lost loved ones is an inspiration for other Americans dealing with loss and tragedy. He praised four survivors who spoke before he did and said that though he's not a Boston sports fan, Boston is an incredible city. 
 
 "We are Boston. We are America. We respond. We endure. We overcome. And we own the finish line," he concluded, to loud applause. 
 
 Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony drew the families of the three people killed — Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and Lu Lingzi — as well as relatives of Massachusetts Institute of Technology police Officer Sean Collier, who was killed in the aftermath of the blasts. 
 
 Gov. Deval Patrick, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley were among those who attended the morning ceremony held in a light rain as bagpipes played. O'Malley offered a prayer. 
 
 They were also honored at the Hynes center, where the survivors who spoke included newlywed Patrick Downes and dancer Adrianne Haslet-Davis, both of whom lost their lower left legs in the bombings. 
 
 "We should have never met this way, but we are so grateful for each other," Downes said, describing the sense of community that has developed among the survivors. 
 
 Carlos Arredondo, the cowboy hat-wearing spectator who was hailed as a hero for helping the wounded after the bombings, said he came to the tribute ceremony to support survivors and their families. Biden also mentioned him. 
 
 "You can see how the whole community gathered together to support them and remember," Arredondo told reporters before the program began. 
 
 Boston police Commissioner Williams Evans said the anniversary is an emotional day and brings back "some terrible memories." 
 
 "Hopefully, today brings the city and the families some sense of comfort and some healing," he said before ceremonies began. 
 
 Between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., a flag-raising ceremony and moment of silence will be held at the marathon finish line, to mark the time and place where two bombs exploded on April 15, 2013. 
 
 Authorities say two brothers planned and orchestrated the attack and later shot and killed Collier during an attempt to steal his gun. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, died following a shootout with police several days after the bombings. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 20, has pleaded not guilty to 30 federal charges and is awaiting trial. He faces the possibility of the death penalty. 
 
 The Tsarnaevs, ethnic Chechens who lived in the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan and the Dagestan region of Russia, settled in Cambridge, outside Boston, more than a decade ago after moving to the U.S. as children with their family. 
 
 Prosecutors have said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev left a hand-scrawled confession condemning U.S. actions in Muslim countries on the inside wall of a boat he was found hiding in following the police shootout.
– Boston paused today to mark the one-year anniversary of the marathon bombings, and President Obama was observing a moment of silence at the White House at 2:49pm Eastern. Some quotes from the Boston ceremony, via CNN and AP: Joe Biden: "You are Boston strong. But America is strong," said the VP. "That's what makes us so proud of this city and this state. What makes me so proud to be an American is that we have never, ever yielded to fear. Never." Survivor Patrick Downes: "We would never wish the devastation and pain we have experienced on any of you," said Downes, who lost a leg, as did his new wife. "However, we do wish that all of you, at some point in your lives, feel as loved as we have felt this last year. It has been the most humbling experience of our lives. We hope you feel all the emotion we feel when we say 'thank you.'" Ex-Mayor Thomas Menino: "This day will always be hard, but this place will always be strong." Tom Grilk, Boston Athletic Association: "Next week, we will run again. But on this day, in this place, in remembrance and resolve, we gather as citizens of Boston, Boston strong."