Obama observes a moment of silence for anniversary of Boston Marathon bombing

April 15, 2014: Police salute as a U.S. flag is raised at the finish line during a tribute in honor of the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP)

President  Obama is paying tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing on its first anniversary with a moment of silence in the Oval Office.

The White House says Obama and his aides held the remembrance privately Tuesday afternoon.

In a written statement, Obama praised the courage and leadership of Bostonians in the wake of tragedy. He said those injured have been awe-inspiring in their recovery.

Obama says this year's race, scheduled for Monday, will, in his words, "show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again."

Vice President Joe Biden is in Boston for a memorial service. He says those who lost loved ones are an inspiration for other Americans dealing with tragedy.