Springfield, as did the entire state and the nation stopped this morning to pay tribute and remember the sacrifices of all those who died in the September 11th Attacks 19 years ago today.
The Springfield ceremony, for the second year in a row was held at the 911 Memorial at Riverfront Park. Like all other events marking the occasion, it adhered to social distancing regulations.
Mayor Sarno states, “It is with a heavy heart that we hold this limited gathering, due to the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, to remember those who lost their lives on September 11th, including our first responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to save others. We wish to honor and must never forget their memory and courageous bravery. Our brave and dedicated first responders are always in our hearts and prayers, especially now as we hold this remembrance ceremony amid this current pandemic. They are the ones who are running into the buildings to save lives, while everyone else is running out.”
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood joined Fire Commissioner Bernard Calvi who said, “It is important to remember the sacrifices made by those men and women even in these times of crisis.”
Springfield’s September 11th Monument was dedicated on June 19, 2019. It features a vertical I-Beam from the World Trade Center and a curved bronze wall listing the names of the 498 first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Most are firefighters from New York City. There are many law enforcement officers, members of the military, as well as employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The monument was designed and constructed by Salmon Studios in Florence, MA.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)