It has been nearly 22 years since terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, piloting two planes into the towers which subsequently collapsed, taking thousands of people’s lives. Who can forget the images of first responders covered in thick ash and concrete dust, or staggering civilians attempting to flee on bare feet over broken glass? Do those of us who are old enough to remember that day – September 11, 2001 – ever forget those images? No we don’t, nor should we.
We all have a duty to remember, especially the firefighters and police officers who gave their own lives to save others. To that end, a group called Ground Zero has made it their mission to send a flag and marble cross around the country touring fire stations where ceremonies of remembrance are held.
Last week, the flag, not the flag that was hoisted above the rubble by firefighters but another that flew near Tower 2 as the massive job of cleaning up, collecting remains and personal effects took place, visited Marion and Mattapoisett. A stop in Rochester is anticipated in September.
Ceremonies were held on May 2 and May 5 at respective Mattapoisett and Marion Fire stations, where Explorers (junior firefighters) heard, possibly for the first time, the events of that fateful day and the importance of remembering.
The flag itself is standard issue, but while watching it fly for 9 minutes and 11 seconds from the flagpoles at the fire houses, one sensed the solemnity of the moment. The marble cross was sculpted from stone conserved from a stairwell at the site. The two artifacts have borne witness and now share their story to help teach and to help remember. Traveling with these items is a log book filled with badges, buttons and signatures of those who have attended a ceremony.
Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray commented on Facebook, “The flag and marble cross has made three tours in Iraq, been on a Blackhawk helicopter and on a combat mission in an A-10 Thunderbolt ‘Warhog.’ It has also flown over the Pentagon, on US Navy warships and at Army, Navy and Air Force installations.
“Now the flag has been traveling around the United States to fly at police and fire stations, municipal buildings and veterans’ associations with a goal to retire the flag on the 25th anniversary of when the flag last flew over the rubble of the WTC.”
Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony stated in a follow-up, “Having the flag and cross here gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect the events of 9/11 … recognizing the sacrifices that were made on that day and our military who fought for our freedom.”
The Tri-Town Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Explorer group participated, not only learning about an event that happened before they were born, but the importance of reverential ceremonies. The Explorers in attendance were Dominic Fringuelli, Brendan Foster, Lisa Harrington, Jack Hebert and Kennedy Tripp.
A few days later, the flag was in Worcester, causing Mattapoisett Fire Captain Brian Connelly to say, “It moves along fast.” Connelly was instrumental in bringing the flag and cross to the area.
By Marilou Newell