EASTHAMPTON – Under clear blue skies on Saturday morning, Easthampton residents of all ages crowded around the city’s Public Safety Complex and lined the sidewalk on Payson Avenue to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Easthampton refuses to let the 9/11 attacks sink to the back of our memory,” said Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, who then recited the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen’s song “The Rising,” which tells the story of a firefighter climbing a staircase in the World Trade Center to rescue those inside.
On this 20th anniversary of what Easthampton Fire Chief Christopher Norris called “the nation’s worst terrorist attack,” many noted how the day looked much like the morning when four planes were hijacked on 9/11.
“The day the nation was attacked was a beautiful clear day like this and it seemed like nothing could go wrong,” said Father Bill Hamilton, chaplain for the Police and Fire departments. “Yet here we are 20 years later, and our hearts continue to ache, and our tears are still not dry.”
Those words rang true for Easthampton City Counselor Lindsey Rothschild who was in New York City at the time of the attack teaching at the Borough of Manhattan Community College located right across the street from the World Trade Center.
“I can’t believe it has been 20 years,” she said, her voice trembling as she explained how she had seen the second plane hit the South Tower and witnessed bodies falling from the building.
Rothschild said she attended Saturday’s event to support the community and first responders.
“I don’t usually go to these things and I haven’t been back to where it happened, as it brings it all back,” she said “It was a very hard time and it still makes me shake.”
Norris said that on this day, his thoughts turned to the thousands of civilians and the various first responders and volunteers who died at the scene, or whose health continues to suffer the long-term health effects from the attack.
“Many lives were lost far too soon, may they never be forgotten,” he said.
Saturday’s ceremony included the customary “Striking the Four Fives” in which a bell is rung five times in a series of four sets, as a final honor for fallen fighters.
As the bell solemnly tolled, many of those gathered bowed their heads as a large American flag hanging from a tall crane on a fire engine blew gently in the wind.
“It was nice to see such a great turn out and such support for this event and for first responders,” Norris said. “We will continue to do our best to serve the community.”
Both Norris and LaChapelle said that along with the veterans and former members of the Police and Fire departments, they were pleased to see the number of families and young people that attended.
Tommy Nutting, 13, of Easthampton, said he has learned a lot about 9/11 and thinks it is important to pass on the history and to show reverence for those who lost their lives on that day.
“I wanted to be here today and I thought this was very powerful,” he said. “I am glad to see how we all came together to remember those who died on 9/11.”