This year marks the 24th anniversary of the deadliest attack on American soil in history: the Sept. 11 attacks.
That day, enemies of the United States hijacked four planes–two leaving Boston Logan airport, one departing Washington Dulles airport, and one from Newark International airport–and used them as weapons. Two struck the Twin Towers in New York City, one struck the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and the remaining jet crashed in Shanksville, PA, after passengers who heard of the other attacks rushed the cabin–saving many lives with their sacrifice.
All souls on all four planes were lost, including 265 innocent victims, as were another approximately 2,700 people, those in the buildings that were struck and the first responders who bravely fought to save as many lives as possible in the aftermath.
Over the months and years since, it has become tragically clear that even for those survivors and first responders who made it home, the effects on their physical and mental health remain.
Among many other health problems, there have been 48,579 certified cancer diagnoses and 17,093 certified PTSD diagnoses in responders and survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center. These numbers are up to date as of June 30, according to CDC World Trade Center Health Program’s most recent Quarterly Executive Summary.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, an entire generation of American young people have grown up with no memory of the events that shaped the world they grew up in.
That is why it is as important as ever to remember the fallen from Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor especially those who willingly ran into the flames to save lives that day without knowing whether they would return.
Local communities have planned several events to honor and remember the lives lost and bravely sacrificed that day 24 years ago, and invite the public to attend:
Lynn – Lynn Fire Department is hosting a 9/11 Memorial at 10 a.m. at the Lynn FD Headquarters, located at 725 Western Avenue.
Lynnfield – The annual First Responders Day ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on the Common. During the ceremony the Boy Scouts will present the colors and the Girl Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, the fire department will perform the Bell Ceremony, and there will be a ceremonial recital of Taps. There will be a few remarks from the Chiefs and the Select Board Chair before a closing prayer from Rev. Thomas.
Marblehead – The Fire and Police Departments invite local officials, community members, and organizations to join them at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park for a ceremony that will serve “as a time to remember the heroes of 9/11 and to reaffirm our commitment to service, unity, and community,” according to the Fire Chief Jason Gilliland.
Peabody – The Police and Fire Departments and Mayor Ted Bettencourt’s Office will host its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Peabody Police and Fire Memorial on Perkins Street to honor the lives lost 24 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.
Swampscott – A ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Swampscott Fire Station, located at 76 Burrill street.
In addition to these events, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School in Danvers placed 3,000 American flags around the Essex Tech campus.
According to Shelby Collins, confidential executive assistant to the superintendent-director, members of the school’s grounds team, as well as students and staff from the History Department, set-up the flags.
“It’s a powerful visual tribute to those we lost and a reminder of the importance of service and remembrance,” she said.
