Four years after the tragedy in School Number One, which left more than 300 people dead, Beslan remains a small town filled with immense grief. Its cemetery contains the graves of 186 children. On September 3, 2004, Russian forces attempted to release hostages in the school building where terrorists were holding more than 1,000 people. The small town is marking the anniversary of one of Russia's deadliest hostage takings with candles, tolling of bells and tears. Hundreds of mourners assembled at the ruins of School Number One, left untouched since the tragedy, to lay flowers and light candles in memory of those who died in September 2004. The sad day was marked by one minute's silence and the release of 334 white balloons in the air – one for each victim. Then the ceremony moved to Beslan’s Memorial Cemetery, where the list of victims was read out. For many residents of Beslan the days of mourning bring back their bad dreams and memories.