LYNNFIELD FIREFIGHTERS salute the 2,977 people who died during the 9/11 attacks, including 343 New York City firefighters, during the annual First Responders Day ceremony on Sept. 11. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Two hundred residents paid tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and recognized Lynnfield first responders during the annual First Responders Day ceremony on Sept. 11.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan thanked residents, local officials and first responders for attending the ceremony on the Town Common.
“We are here to remember the deadliest day in American history,” said Dolan. “Although it was the greatest tragedy in American history, it unified our country and brought all of us together.”
Dolan said the 9/11 terrorist attacks highlighted the “service and sacrifice” of first responders.
“I would like to publically recognize our Police and Fire Departments,” said Dolan. “The brave men and women in our departments are second to none. They come to work every day hoping for peace, but are expecting the call to take them to an unknown place to save a life.”
The ceremony’s attendees gave Lynnfield first responders a round of applause.
After Centre Congregational Church Rev. Thomas Bentley gave the innovation and a group of Scouts BSA/Cub Scouts presented the colors, Girl Scouts Caroline Swiatkowski, Grace Connors, Nora Andreoli, Ayla Toyoda, Charlotte Beccia, Lorelei Eckhardt, Annabelle Eckhardt and Nandana Nishanth recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lynnfield High School senior Heavenly Claypool sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
Dolan recalled that retired Boston Bruins left wing Garnet “Ace” Bailey, who lived on Ivanhoe Drive, was aboard United Airlines Flight 175 when it crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Bailey, 53, left behind his wife Kathy and son Todd.
Additionally, Dolan said Lynnfield native Sean Patrick Lynch passed away in the World Trade Center at the age of 34. He attended Huckleberry Hill School, and was a graduate of St. John’s Prep and Boston College. Lynch had just been promoted to senior vice president of equity trading at Cantor Fitzgerald when the World Trade Center was attacked.
“They are two individuals who grew up here or moved here, and contributed so much to this wonderful community,” said Dolan.
The ceremony’s attendees held a moment of silence in honor of Bailey and Lynch.
Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis led firefighters during the “ringing of the bell” portion of the ceremony. Firefighter/paramedic Michael Mansfield rang the bell while Fire Lt./Paramedic Paul Hartz raised and then lowered the flag to half-staff.
“The tolling of the bell five times with four repetitions is how the New York City Fire Department announces the line of duty death of a firefighter,” said Davis.
The ceremony’s attendees held a moment of silence in honor of the 2,977 people who tragically lost their lives on 9/11.
Davis thanked the 200 residents for attending First Responders Day.
“The United States of America suffered a severe blow when attacked on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Davis. “So many years after our nation was attacked, the events of Sept. 11 may be fading in the minds of many Americans. But for those of us who spend our lives in the service of others, the memories of those terrorist attacks that took so many lives remains fresh.”
Davis noted that Lynnfield children as well as some local first responders were born after 9/11.
“It is my sincere hope that our children and grandchildren never have to experience what we did on that day, and they never have to face the tragedy, the shock, the uncertainty and the fear that we did,” said Davis. “What do we want these children to know about that day? It’s simple. We tell them to remember. We cannot live in that day forever, but to forget it would be a tragedy for its own.”
Davis urged the ceremony’s attendees to remember the 2,977 people who died on 9/11, including the 343 New York City firefighters/paramedics, 23 New York police officers and the 37 Port Authority police officers.
“Remember the courage and bravery of the first responders who rushed to help their fellow citizens and perished while doing so,” said Davis. “So today, we remember. If we ever forget, we are allowing the almost 3,000 people who died that day to have perished in vain. I am sure that we can all agree that they deserve our commitment, which can best be shown through our remembrance of them. Who were they? They were rich and poor, old and young. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands and wives. They were representative of who we are as a nation. They were a harmonious mix of wealth, age, race, religion and beliefs. They were people who met their end in a manner that cannot be changed, but God willing prevented in the future.”
Davis encouraged the ceremony’s attendees to “appreciate” their families.
“Let us remember those who are no longer able to look at theirs,” Davis continued. “The men and women of the Lynnfield Fire Department will continue to serve and be there whenever Lynnfield residents call us. We will always remember the ultimate sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Police Chief Nick Secatore thanked the 200 residents for attending First Responders Day.
“We are here to make sure our country Never Forgets what happened 24 years ago on Sept. 11,” said Secatore. “We are also here especially to recognize the town of Lynnfield’s first responders. I think it is pretty extraordinary that the town chooses to merge these two events.”
Secatore said the 9/11 attacks “changed the world and our country forever.”
“We show appreciation for those who lost their lives, those who served and those who continue to serve by coming together every year on this day,” said Secatore. “Everyone has their own way of honoring our heroes. Please take a moment in your way to remember the men and women in all uniforms who serve this great community and the United States of America.”
Secatore said it is “a special and extraordinary job” to work as a first responder. He recalled that last year’s ceremony occurred less than 24 hours after the Fire Department and departments from 17 communities battled a six-alarm blaze that destroyed seven businesses at The Shops at Post Office Square strip mall.
“They responded the day before this event, stayed 24 hours and came here to celebrate with all of us,” said Secatore. “This year, I am proud to announce that one of our police officers in town has been selected to receive the Governor’s Award for Valor and Bravery. A few weeks ago, a team of firefighters, police officers, a dispatcher and a security guard from MarketStreet responded to a serious medical incident at MarketStreet, and gave life-saving care to a victim. I can say with certainty to everyone here and everyone in the community that the town of Lynnfield has dedicated professionals who will come and respond with pride and selflessness. On behalf of the employees of the Lynnfield Police Department, I would like to say thank you. We are grateful for the support of this community, the Select Board and the residents. And to each and every police officer, firefighter, dispatcher and medical responder out there, my hat is off to you. Thank you all.”
Select Board Chair Phil Crawford thanked the 200 residents and first responders for coming to the ceremony, and thanked all of the ceremony’s participants. He also thanked Veterans Services Officer Bruce Siegel for organizing the ceremony.
“We are here tonight to honor our first responders: Our policemen, firefighters, emergency medical professionals and our dispatchers,” said Crawford. “We are also here on this day to make sure we Never Forget what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, the world watched as two hijacked jetliners slammed into New York City’s World Trade Center while a third one crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Passengers onboard a fourth airplane averted even more destruction by trying to regain control of their airplane, which was intended to hit either the White House or U.S. Capitol. As a result, the hijackers crashed it in a field outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.”
Crawford said the first responders who responded to the 9/11 attacks demonstrated immense bravery.
“While civilians were running for safety from the World Trade Center in New York City, hundreds of first responders were running towards the devastation to save those hurt and trapped in the buildings,” said Crawford. “Four hundred and fourteen first responders died that day, 343 were firefighters and 71 were law enforcement. In addition, countless others suffered fatal or life-altering injuries and illnesses related to their service on that day and the days that followed.”
Crawford said, “For those too young to recall that clear September day, it is hard to describe the mix of feelings we experienced.”
“The horror was at the scale of the destruction and the awe was at the bravery and kindness that that rose to meet it,” said Crawford. “There was shock at the audacity of evil and gratitude for the heroism and decency that opposed it. In the sacrifice of the first responders, in the mutual aid of strangers, in the solidarity of grief and grace, the actions of the enemy revealed the spirit of a people. And we were proud of our wounded nation. In many ways, our first responders embody the very best of the American spirit. With charity and compassion, these brave men and women regularly put the well-being of others before their own, oftentimes at great personal risk. Through their actions, they have become heroes to many and through their example, they are role models to all.”
Crawford thanked Lynnfield first responders for their service to the community.
“We have 15 career firefighters led by Chief Glenn Davis as well as 18 call firefighters who are ready to respond to any emergency,” said Crawford. “In addition to battling fires, firefighters perform important fire prevention and public education duties. If we or one of our loved ones experience a medical emergency, our medical professionals are there at a moment’s notice to provide lifesaving care. We also have 22 career police officers led by Chief Nick Secatore. Police officers do not simply arrest criminals, they actively prevent crime and make our streets and neighborhoods safer so we can all live and sleep more peacefully. We have five career dispatchers who make sure our calls for help get processed and acted on immediately as they know that every second counts.”
Crawford encouraged residents to thank first responders’ service to the community.
“Thank you for helping others when they can’t help themselves, for showing up to difficult situations ready to help and for being a hero to those in need,” said Crawford. “You are very much appreciated and we are so thankful for your service.”
The ceremony’s attendees gave Davis, Secatore and Crawford a round of applause.
After Rev. Bentley gave the closing prayer, Lynnfield resident and U.S. Air Force veteran Sgt. Ronald Small led attendees during a performance of Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America.” Attendees were then treated to a cookout.