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Survivors Show Their Strength at the Finish Line

One year later, victims of last year's violence came back to Boylston Street to celebrate the Boston Marathon.
Image:
Bombing survivor Jeff Bauman, center, cheers for Meb Keflezighi who won the 118th Boston Marathon, Monday, April 21, 2014, in Boston. Bauman suffered traumatic injuries in the bombings near the finish line last year. At right is his fiancee Erin Hurley.Elise Amendola / AP

In contrast to the chaos that enveloped the finish line of last year's Boston Marathon, the last stretch of the race this year was punctuated by celebration.

Image:
Bombing survivor Jeff Bauman, center, cheers for Meb Keflezighi who won the 118th Boston Marathon, Monday, April 21, 2014, in Boston. Bauman suffered traumatic injuries in the bombings near the finish line last year. At right is his fiancee Erin Hurley.Elise Amendola / AP

Jeff Bauman, who lost his legs in last year's bombings, cheered on runners from the stands with his fiancee, Erin Hurley.

"It feels great" to be back, he told The Associated Press. "I feel very safe."

Image: Patrick Downes, Jessica Kensky
Boston Marathon husband and wife bombing survivors Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky, who each lost a leg in last year's bombings, roll across the finish line in the 118th Boston Marathon Monday, April 21, 2014 in Boston.Elise Amendola / AP

Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky were newlyweds when they each lost a leg while watching last year's Marathon from the sidelines. This year, they were part of the race.