Across the North Shore on Thursday, residents, government officials, and first responders came together in solemn remembrance of the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives in 2001.
Ceremonies in Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Peabody, and Swampscott offered moments of reflection, prayer, and unity as communities paid tribute to the victims and the bravery of those who rushed toward danger that day.
Lynn
At the Lynn Fire Department Headquarters on Western Avenue, firefighters and police officers stood in formation alongside members of the City Council to honor both the first responders and civilians who perished.
At 10 a.m., Fire Capt. Jon Godbout called the Lynn Fire and Police departments to attention, assembling behind firefighting equipment symbolizing the sacrifices of 9/11 responders. Fire Lt. Joel Abreu rang a ceremonial bell, followed by Firefighter Lenny Levesque lowering the American flag to half-staff. The gathering then held a moment of silence to remember the lives lost.
Lynnfield
Lynnfield’s remembrance coincided with its annual First Responders Day on the Town Common. Veterans’ Services Officer Bruce E. Siegel emphasized the dual purpose of honoring daily sacrifices and remembering 9/11.
“We will honor the many men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect… as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001,” Siegel said. “What happened that day will be etched in our minds forever.”
The Town’s ceremony featured an invocation by Rev. Thomas Bentley, a presentation of colors by the Boy Scouts, music, and reflections from Police Chief Nick Secatore, Fire Chief Glenn Davis, and Select Board Chair Phil Crawford. The event concluded with prayers, patriotic songs, and a community cookout.
Marblehead
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland opened the ceremony, calling Sept. 11 a day “etched in our soul,” particularly for those in the fire service. He remembered the 343 firefighters who died in New York City, as well as police officers, paramedics, and other first responders who rushed toward danger. “Ordinary people became extraordinary,” he said, noting the bravery of both first responders and civilians who acted selflessly amid chaos.
The ceremony featured prayers, readings, and personal reflections. Speakers emphasized the need to educate younger generations, many of whom were not yet born in 2001. “To them, it is history. To us, it’s a memory,” Gilliland said.
Town officials also honored Marblehead residents who lost their lives in the aftermath of the attacks and in the wars that followed. Clergy offered blessings for peace, healing, and unity – and one speaker, Veterans Agent Ro Trionfi-Mazzuchelli, reflected on her Army Reserve service, urging the community to “live like you vowed on 9/12 — love more, live more, and serve more.”
In an interview with The Item two retired firefighters shared vivid memories of the day, from standing vigils on Franklin Street to hearing military jets overhead as commercial flights were grounded.
“That was my shift that morning. It was quite after 10 o’clock in the morning. We didn’t know what to do everyone was in shock,” Walter Conrad said.
Gary Bartlett added, “It was hard to believe what we were seeing on television, we couldn’t believe it.”
The service concluded with prayers for strength, compassion, and the resolve to carry forward the values of freedom and justice.
Peabody
In Peabody, city leaders, first responders, and residents lined Perkins Street for a 20-minute ceremony at the Public Safety Memorial. Fire Chief Jay Dowling opened with a reminder of the enormity of the day.
“Ordinary people began their day like any other, unaware that history would remember their courage, sacrifice, and resilience,” Dowling said, noting the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and military members.
Mayor Ted Bettencourt reflected on the importance of holding the ceremony at the City’s police and fire memorial and paid tribute to local victims Janis Lasden, Christine Barbuto, and Don DiTullio. DiTullio’s family attended the ceremony.
Police Chief Tom Griffin closed the event by highlighting the unity that emerged in the wake of tragedy. “The challenges we may face may be different, but the answers always remain the same,” Griffin said. “We must stand together… The greatest tribute we can give to the heroes and victims of 9/11 is to build a stronger, kinder community.”
Swampscott
In Swampscott, officials and community members filled the front of the Humphrey Street Fire Station for a service that included the national anthem, moments of silence, and words from Acting Town Administrator Gino Cresta, Fire Chief Graham Archer, and Rabbi Yosi Lipsker of Chabad of the North Shore.
The ceremony also featured the striking of the Four Fives, five bell strikes repeated four times, a firefighter tradition honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“This is not an occasion of celebration, but it does mean a lot for the community to come together with a single purpose of remembrance,” Archer said. “Whether it’s intentional or not, it really helps build community.”
Cresta urged unity, compassion, and dedication: “Let us never forget the heroes, the victims, and the families whose lives were forever changed on that day. May their legacy continue to inspire us … not just today, but every day.”
Local leaders, including State Rep. Jenny Armini and State Sen. Brendan Crighton, echoed the importance of reflection and continued remembrance. Police Chief Ruben Quesada added that he hopes future generations will never forget “the brave souls that were lost that day” and called for unity over division.
As Fire Chief Dowling in Peabody reminded attendees, remembrance is not only about looking back. It is about moving forward, together.
