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Date: 9/20/2023
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Town officials marked the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony in Town Hall.
Police Chief Paul Connor gave remarks in which he discussed the feelings of confusion, sadness, and anger he felt on that day in 2001.
“It is our duty to share our feelings, what we experienced, what we felt as a nation to those who are learning in a classroom or online right now,” he said.
He also emphasized sharing the nation’s resiliency and unity following the attacks. “We came together as Americans, not by religion, not by race, not by social status, but as Americans that cared for one another,” he said. “We were one and we showed the world how strong we were.”
Fire Chief Christopher Bartone continued these themes, recounting the events of the day. Like Police Chief Connor, he mentioned Melissa Harrington-Hughes, a West Springfield native who died in the attacks, saying she was one of “3,000 souls” whose families were changed forever.
“There are individuals who did not watch on TV that day and these are the ones we honor here,” he said. “The first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others; the ordinary citizens inside those buildings, the planes, the streets of New York and D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania.”
He also made note to honor veterans who sacrificed their lives in the War on Terror that followed.
Afterward, the town’s director of veterans services, Jorge Santiago, remembered seeing news of the attacks on television that day and not believing it could be real. Once he realized that America had truly been attacked, he started wanting to do more to help.
“I did what I was supposed to,” he said. “I joined the U.S. Army, along with all great men and women that joined the armed forces, volunteered that day to go fight for this country’s freedom.”
He offered his deepest condolences to those whose loved ones died in 9/11 attacks.
“We feel your grief. We remember your loss. We share your sorrow. I know there are no words that can ease the pain. And no matter how many years pass, we will always keep the memory of those lost that day,” he said.
Mayor William Reichelt proclaimed Sept. 11, 2023, to be “Remembrance Day.” In the proclamation, he said the town honors the town and its citizens remember those who died in the attacks, first responders, Melissa Harrington Hughes, and those who gave their lives to rescue people in the twin towers and the Pentagon.
“Whereas the events of Sept. 11, 2001, tested the strength and resolve of our country,” he said, “they also reminded us of the values set out by our forefathers who saw a vision of the United States that we will live and be free of tyrannical rule and today we are even more determined that ever we will not give into terrorism and threats to the safety and security of the United States.”
This year’s ceremony was originally scheduled to take place outdoors at the eternal flame dedicated to Harrington-Hughes on the Town Common. It was moved indoors because of the threat of rain, town officials said.