Nashua observes 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with wreath-laying ceremony
NASHUA, N.H. — Nashua Fire Rescue members, Nashua police officers, veterans and city officials gathered Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The attacks killed 2,977 victims at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Among those killed were 411 first responders, including 343 members of the New York City Fire Department.
The ceremony was held at Nashua’s 9/11 memorial outside Fire Station 4 on E. Hollis St. The memorial includes a section of steel from the World Trade Center, and a granite column topped by a sculpted firefighter’s helmet bearing the number 343, commemorating the FDNY firefighters killed in the attacks.
Doug Cotreau, an officer with Disabled American Veterans Gate City Chapter 7, served as master of ceremonies. Veterans representing the DAV, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion participated in the observance.
Fire Marshal Michael DuVarney rang the ceremonial last alarm, a fire-service tradition signifying that a fallen firefighter has completed his or her duties and returned to quarters. The observance honored firefighters and other emergency responders who died on Sept. 11, as well as those who have died from illnesses related to rescue and recovery work.
Mayor Jim Donchess reflected on the people killed in the attacks and the actions of first responders and Flight 93 passengers.
“To understand the weight of this day, we must look backward,” Donchess said. “We remember the 2,977 individuals who woke up that morning, went to work, leaving their families, spouses, children, parents, brothers, sisters and friends, and did not return home. We must remember the fallen to ensure their light is never extinguished by the shadows of that tragic morning.”
Donchess said the attacks also revealed “the profound courage of ordinary citizens and first responders.”
“We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, the rescue teams in the towers while others were running out,” he said. “They taught us through their actions what true service means. We remember the brave passengers of Flight 93, who turned their final moments into an act of heroic defiance to save others.”
He urged those in attendance to preserve that spirit of unity for future generations.
“As the years move forward, away from that day, our sacred charge is to protect the spirit of unity,” Donchess said. “We must teach the generations who were not yet born that America’s true strength is found in our love for one another and our shared commitment to freedom.”
The mayor’s remarks were followed by a moment of silence.
Nashua Fire Rescue Chief Steve Buxton and Nashua Police Deputy Chief Brian Kenney placed a memorial wreath, closing the ceremony.
