SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 was held in Springfield late Monday morning.
This was the 4th 9/11 remembrance ceremony here at Riverfront Park. This began back in 2019 when the September 11th monument was dedicated.
That monument pays tribute to the 498 first responders who lost their lives saving others during the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Two spotlights shine on a 9-and-a-half-foot steel beam that’s made from remains of the World Trade Center, which was awarded to the Spirit of Springfield by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
“When everybody’s running out of that building, who’s running in to that building to save structures and lives? Fire, police, first responders,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno.
“They were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to help to save a civilian,” said Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi.
The day began with remarks from Springfield Police, Fire, and EMS representatives, all of whom pointed to the heroic efforts of the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in New York City that day. One attendee told 22News she lost her brother-in-law in the attack, as he was in the south tower when that building collapsed.
“It’s also important to remember that 9/11 is not over. It happened on a particular day September 11, 2001, however, you know 498 first responders were killed that day. Over 6,000 first responders have died as a result of injuries and cancers developed as a result of the work done in the weeks months and years at the pile they call it,” said Margot Eckert of Springfield.
Every year since, she honors his memory, vowing to truly never forget. First responder deaths due to illness following the events of 9/11 almost equal the number of firefighters who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.
Taylor Knight is a morning anchor and I-Team reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2018. Follow Taylor on X @TaylorKNews and view her bio to see more of her work.
