BURRILLVILLE/GLOCESTER – Many across the region took a moment on Thursday, Sept. 11 to acknowledge the tragic events of 24 years ago, and remember the lives lost in 2001 in a tragic attack against the United States that would leave the country and its people forever changed.
In Burrillville, members of the three fire departments gathered at Firefighter’s Memorial Park in Harrisville for a prayer and wreath laying ceremony.
Chief of the Center for Emergency Medical Services for the Rhode Island Department of Health Jason Rhodes acted as emcee for the event and Rev. Richard Lapierre spoke about those who lost lives, as well as those who responded.
In Glocester, the police department announced officers will be wearing this special patch throughout the month of September as a symbol of the commitment to never forget.
“Today, we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the families forever impacted by the events of September 11, 2001,” the department noted.
Sen. Jessica de la Cruz, who represents District 23 in Burrillville, North Smithfield and Glocester, noted that 24 years later, memories of shock, sorrow, and courage are still vivid.
“As we reflect on September 11th, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the strength of the American spirit. Out of darkness came unity. Out of grief came resilience. Out of despair came hope,” noted de la Cruz. “May we live with gratitude, carry on the courage of our heroes, and never forget.”
Burrillville Patriots Youth Football & Cheer posted a photo of players performing the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Today, we pause not only to remember the lives lost and the families forever changed, but also to honor the courage of those who ran toward danger and the strength of a nation that stood united in its darkest hour,” noted the organization. “From tragedy came resilience, from heartbreak came unity, and from sorrow came an unshakable reminder of what it means to be an American. May we carry forward the compassion, courage, and patriotism shown that day never forgetting, always honoring.”
The Pascoag Fire Department noted that the town still holds a piece of history from that day. A 13-foot-long steel artifact salvaged from wreckage of the World Trade Center sits in the Harrisville park where locals gather to remember.
“Every year each of the fire departments in town get together, not to mourn, but to honor those brave individuals who ran towards the danger, to help as many as they could get out of harm’s way,” noted PFD. “We look to these individuals as heroes, and pioneers to the constant changes and training we see and perform in the fire service on a daily basis.”
