Springfield honors lives lost on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Communities across western Massachusetts are pausing to honor and remember those lives lost twenty-five years ago on September 11th. In Springfield, hundreds are gathering at Riverfront Park for an expanded ceremony paying tribute to the fallen first responders.

The ceremony honored all the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice back on September 11th, 2001. The ceremony will officially start here at 6 p.m., with a musical prelude featuring the Sci-Tech drumline and the Springfield Kiltie Band.

A procession of emergency apparatus from Springfield, Holyoke, and Agawam will then roll over the Memorial Bridge to signify the last call. We spoke with event organizer, Spirit of Springfield President, Judy Matt.

She said that marking a quarter century since the attack on the twin towers makes keeping that promise to never forget more critical now than ever before, “It means a lot. It’s probably the most important thing we do all year long,” Matt said, “we’re honored to be a part of it, And I must say it’s a very depressing project to work on, but it’s got to be done, and you can’t forget. You’ve got to remember.”

The ceremony will conclude with a wreath laying on the Connecticut River, a rifle salute, and taps, culminating as lights cast the shadow of the World Trade Center onto Springfield’s September 11th Monument.