Communities across the North Shore paused Friday to mark the somber occasion of 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The observances, for the most part, were subdued, due to the seemingly never-ending toll the coronavirus pandemic is taking as communities across the nation continue to struggle with COVID-19, another event that has also caused great loss and altered the way Americans live their lives.
LYNN
In Lynn, firefighters, police, elected officials and other assembled guests held a brief ceremony at fire department headquarters.
Each year, the Fire Department holds a ceremony in conjunction with police and ambulance personnel to commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to Fire Chief Stephen Archer.
“This is very important to us,” said Archer. “I think I speak for all of us when I say our hearts bleed a little bit for all the sacrifices (first responders) made on that day.”
Seventy-one law enforcement officers and 343 firefighters were killed on Sept. 11, 2001, said Archer, noting those numbers don’t include the “countless others who have succumbed to their injuries since that tragic day.”
The tribute included the ceremonial ringing of the firefighter’s last alarm bell to commemorate fallen firefighters, which was followed by a reading of the firefighters prayer by Fr. Bob Poitres, pastor of the Holy Family and St. Pius V. parishes.
“We are grateful we had the participation today of other dignitaries with us (and) other law enforcement (officers),” said Archer. “That’s what gives us strength to carry on and do what we do.”
LYNNFIELD
Due to the pandemic, this Lynnfield’s First Responders Day observance was a bit scaled down and 100 percent private.
In past years, the Board of Selectmen has partnered with the Lynnfield Rotary Club to sponsor an annual celebration on Town Common followed by a community barbecue.
This year’s observance was subdued in comparison, featuring a special lunch served to police officers and firefighters.
“The First Responders Day celebration every year is a small but important way for our community to thank these local heroes,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett. “The need to support our first responders has never been more important,” adding that Lynnfield Rotary and the town are looking forward to an even bigger event in 2021 when the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack is observed.
NAHANT
“Today is always a sad day,” said Nahant Town Administrator Tony Barletta. “It’s a day to remember those (who) lost their lives and to have their family and friends in our thoughts and hearts. We will never forget and we will always honor (them).”
On Facebook, the Nahant Police Department shared that one of its own, Lieutenant Officer Steven Shultz, a former New York City police officer, would wear his original NYPD badge in honor of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
“While the nation reflects on the devastating events that took place on September 11, 2001, many people have their way of honoring the victims of the attacks,” the post read. “While no longer in New York on 9/11, Lieutenant Shultz had the distinct honor of working with the heroes of that day. We will never forget.”
PEABODY
Peabody held a small remembrance ceremony at Fire Department headquarters. Among those in attendance were Fire Chief Joseph Daly, members of the Fire Prevention staff and City Hall staff.
“Once again, our community recognized the somber anniversary of Sept. 11 with a fitting tribute to all those who perished on that terrible day,” said Mayor Edward Bettencourt. “We also take a moment to recognize all of our first responders who put their own lives at risk every day to keep us safe.”
A statement posted on the Fire Department’s Facebook page said, “Because of (COVID) 19, it was small and informal but (we are) hopeful next year we will be side by side with the Peabody Police officers again for the usual annual remembrance. We never forget.”
SAUGUS
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was also subdued with the flags at Town Hall lowered to half-mast in a solemn sign of respect.
SWAMPSCOTT
Fire Chief Graham Archer presided over a ceremony at the department’s headquarters in Swampscott, which was attended by first responders and elected officials.
Also in attendance was Raymond Harris, whose daughter, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jennifer Harris, was killed when the helicopter she was piloting was shot down during an Operation Iraqi Freedom casualty evacuation mission in 2007.
“This was the 19th anniversary of the commemoration of Sept. 11,” said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “Certainly, Swampscott has paid a significant price both with residents that were lost on that day and throughout the War on Terror.”
Fitzgerald said the ceremony included a solemn tribute to the police and firefighters who sacrificed their lives to save others on 9/11. The fire department rang the last alarm bell in honor of those fallen first responders, he said.
“This is a really difficult time and what was clear to me at that time 19 years ago (was that) everybody put aside their political strife and their partisanship and we all came together as one nation and reflected on the importance of public service and the responsibilities we had to stay true to our American ideals,” said Fitzgerald.
“I think that time 19 years ago stands in stark contrast to the vitriol and the division I think a lot of folks (currently) feel. It’s always important for us to come together to remember the tremendous sacrifice first responders made on that day.”
A town-wide ceremony is planned for next year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
