NORTHAMPTON — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon claimed 2,977 lives, including 343 firefighters and 71 police officers, city public safety officials gathered outside the fire station to honor those killed in the line of duty.
Before firefighter Hugh Parker rang four sets of five bell chimes — a historic signal used to announce the death of a colleague — Fire Chief Andrew Pelis welcomed the crowd. As the bell tolled, firefighters Hamilton Thorpe and Collin Stevenson lowered the flag to half mast.
“Today, we honor those that lost their lives on that fateful day,” Pelis said. “On this day, 25 years ago, America was forever changed.”
Similar regional memorial events took place in Amherst, Easthampton, Holyoke, Granby and Westfield.
The tolling of the bell preceded a minute-long moment of silence that ended with a prayer delivered by Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Lemberg.
“Oh God, we remember before you this day our brothers and sisters lost on Sept. 11, 2001. We thank you for their example of courage and sacrifice. In your boundless compassion, console their families, friends, co-workers, and all who mourn their loss,” Lemberg said. “Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our journey and serve with honor, dignity and courage.”
The ceremony concluded with a reading of the firefighter’s prayer, delivered by Northampton firefighter Joseph Mancino, as well as the police officer’s prayer, delivered by officer Heather Longley.
“When I am called to duty, wherever flames may rage, give me the strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it’s too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate,” Mancino said. “I want to fill my calling and give the best in me to guard my every neighbor and protect his property … If, according to God’s will, I must answer death’s call, bless with your protecting hand my family, one and all.”
Northampton’s ceremony was held alongside a multitude of 9/11 memorials throughout the country — beams of light projected from New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, a stair climb at Mississippi State University’s football stadium, and a ceremony at Honolulu’s 9/11 memorial.
The names of those who died were read aloud at the Ground Zero Memorial site in New York City. The ceremony has long been highlighted with moments of silence at key points in the attack timeline, though this year organizers added another moment to honor people who have died of cancer and other illnesses after being exposed to the clouds of toxic dust released by the twin towers’ collapse.
Elsie Caldwell brought a photograph of her son Kenny Caldwell to the Ground Zero memorial to hear his name read aloud Friday morning. She recalled her last conversation with him a quarter-century ago.
“Mom, I just want to let you know that I love you,” Caldwell said he told her in a final phone call. His remains, like those of many other victims, have never been recovered.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
