Seekonk Remembers 9-11

Town and state officials paid tribute to the lives lost from the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 in a ceremony held at the Public Safety Headquarters Wednesday. Selectmen chairman David Andrade noted the “selfless actions” of the police officers and firefighters who raced into the World Trade Center to rescue people. Andrade also praised the town’s first responders. “Every time you walk out your door and every time you act, you’re casting a stone,” Andrade said. “And the ripples that stone creates is felt throughout our community.”

On hand for the ceremony were State Representative Steven Howitt, R-Seekonk, who acknowledged that the tragedy of that day had long-lasting repercussions, citing the illnesses suffered by first responders exposed to asbestos and other toxic chemicals released into the air near the World Trade Center site. “Even today, people are still suffering who survived from 9-11,” Howitt said. State Senator Paul Feeney, D-Foxboro, recalled how in the days after September 11, Americans experienced “the feeling of sister and brotherhood among all of us, regardless of our race, our faith, our politics, our background, the feeling of pride we felt that day and every day for our first responders.”

Police Chief David Enos recited the Policeman’s Prayer. Deputy Fire Chief Allan Grocott recited the Fireman’s Prayer. The Seekonk Police Honor Guard also participated, along with students from the Aitken and Martin elementary schools who led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Seekonk High School brass ensemble performed patriotic anthems to honor the servicemen and women who fought for this country. Reverend Marilyn Ricci delivered the invocation. Reverend John Amaral delivered the benediction.