The Wellesley Fire Department marked the 19th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a small ceremony.
In order to adhere to the current Coronavirus restrictions on gatherings, the event was closed to the public to ensure it could take place safely.
The solemn ceremony recognized those who lost their lives and were injured in the tragedy. Among the 2,977 civilians and first responders who died in the attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, were Wellesley residents John Cahill, Neilie Casey, Edmund Glaser, and Patrick Quigley.
Ceremony participants included Wellesley Fire Chief Rick DeLorie and Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Peterson, Deputy Police Chief Scott Whittemore, members of the Wellesley Fire Department and Wellesley Police Department Honor Guards, Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley Weston Chabad, Representative Alice Peisch, Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Tom Ulfelder, and Wellesley Veterans’ Graves and Ceremonial Officer Joe Oliveri.
In prayers and remarks, participants asked for strength, comfort, and healing as Wellesley remembered that tragic day and also current days as our community works together to protect one another during this pandemic.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps by bugler Kimberly Shaw, a retired member of the United States Coast Guard.
Wellesley Media recorded the event; the video will be added to the regular station programming.