Wellesley remembers on 9/11

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By Lisa Moore
Hometown Weekly Correspondent

September 11, 2018 marked the 17th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on US soil. Around the country, memorial services were held to honor the 2,977 individuals who died that day, and the more than 6,000 injured. The ceremonies also remembered the brave first responders who sacrificed their safety in efforts to rescue others.

Wellesley was among the myriad communities to remember the day, with the police and fire departments, in addition to the town’s veterans, holding a solemn ceremony in the Wellesley firehouse. As they have done for the last 17 years, members of the community gathered, upholding their vow “to never forget.”

For Wellesley residents, the service was a way to honor and remember the four residents - Neilie Casey, Edmond Glaser, John Cahill, and Patrick Quigley - who died during those attacks.

Police Chief Richard DeLorie opened the ceremony thanking residents and dignitaries for attending - and most importantly, for remembering those that were lost. Pastor George Saraceno from Woburn gave the invocation, reminding those in attendance that “we need to love one another,” a theme reiterated by a representative from the Wellesley Board of Selectman and Representative Alice Peisch.

For some, the pain of loss is nearly as fresh today as it was 17 years ago. As the assembly observed a moment of silence at 9:59, the time that the World Trade Center South Tower collapsed, and listened to “Amazing Grace,” several family members who had lost a loved one silently wept.

In addition to honoring those lost on 9/11, the ceremony was a tribute to fire, police and military personnel who routinely risk their lives so that others can be safe. Representatives from the Wellesley Fire Department and the Wellesley Police Department read The Firefighters Prayer, and the Police Officers Prayer. American Legion Commander Richard Dillon recited the Prayer for all in Service.

The ceremony concluded with the tolling of the fire station bell - four sets of five rings, symbolically calling home those lost on 9/11 - followed by a rendition of TAPS, the benediction delivered by Pastor George Saraceno, and closing remarks by Fire Chief DeLorie.