Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 8, 2024 9:09 pm GMT
Remembering the Victims: 23 Years After 9/11
On September 11, 2001, a tragic day unfolded in the United States as terrorist attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 innocent people. This year, communities nationwide prepare to honor their memories through various remembrance events, particularly in Staten Island and the surrounding Attleboro area. As the nation reflects on the impact and the resilience that followed, both local and national ceremonies will pay tribute to the lives lost and the families affected.
Staten Island’s “Eve of Solemn Remembrance”
For over two decades, the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of Staten Island has held a special event called the “Eve of Solemn Remembrance.” This annual service serves as an opportunity for the community to gather on the evening of September 10, the vigil before the anniversary of the attacks. Those involved are invited to reflect on the profound losses experienced and the lasting imprints left on their hearts.
Ceremony Details
This year marks the 22nd Eve of Solemn Remembrance, set to take place at Our Lady of Pity R.C. Church at 1616 Richmond Avenue in Bulls Head. Joe Delaney, the president of the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island, encourages all Staten Islanders to participate in the remembrance service. The event will commence with sacred music at 7 p.m., followed by a con-celebrated mass at 7:30 p.m. The main celebrant, Bishop Peter Byrne, will lead the service, ensuring that those who attend feel the weight of the occasion and the spirit of remembrance.
The Meaning Behind the Vigil
The term “Eve of Solemn Remembrance” is rooted in the Catholic tradition of holding vigils for reflection and prayer. The aim is not only to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks but also to provide solace to their families and remind attendees of the importance of unity in the face of tragedy.
Commemorative Events in the Attleboro Area
While Staten Island honors its victims, similar ceremonies are scheduled in the Attleboro area, emphasizing the local commitment to remembrance. Many events are aligned with the anniversary itself, while some take place shortly thereafter. Each event aims to bring communities together, reinforcing the shared values of resilience and strength in the aftermath of loss.
Event Schedule
- September 11:
- 9 a.m. – Baptist Church Common, Downtown Attleboro featuring a welcome address from Veterans Services Officer Scott Smith.
- 9:30 a.m. – 9/11 Memorial in front of the Foxboro Public Safety Complex.
- 10 a.m. – Flagpole at the Mansfield Public Safety Complex, to be moved indoors in case of rain.
- 6 p.m. – Seekonk Public Safety Complex, regardless of weather conditions.
- 8:30 a.m. – Wrentham Town Hall 9/11 Memorial.
- September 21:
- 6 p.m. – Capron Park at the Veteran’s Triangle, organized by Veterans Agent Ben Quelle and former Attleboro City Councilor Julie Hall.
Community Engagement
These events will include ceremonial rites such as the national anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and the ceremonial laying of roses by the Disabled American Veterans and other community groups. Community leaders, including state representatives and local chiefs of police and fire departments, will deliver remarks to commemorate the fallen and emphasize the unity forged in the aftermath of the attacks.
Onward Through Resilience
As the nation prepares to reflect on these somber anniversaries, the events come not only as a reminder of the loss but also as a testament to resilience. The message remains clear: despite the challenges faced after that fateful day, the spirit of Americans continues to thrive through remembrance, unity, and a shared commitment to honor those who were lost.
Further Information
For those interested in participating in the remembrance activities, local community centers and churches offer information on how to get involved. Attending these events provides an opportunity to join others in honoring lives lost and to engage with a community dedicated to remembrance and healing.
To learn more about the 9/11 remembrance ceremonies or initiatives in your area, visit local government or veterans organizations, as they provide schedules and details for those wishing to participate in honoring the past.
Online platforms and social media are great ways to share memories and connect with people who understand how important this moment in history is.
