Seekonk Remembers September 11th

Town and state officials gathered Monday to pay tribute to the police officers and firefighters who died during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. “It is important that we never forget,” said Police Chief David Enos, acknowledging the bravery shown by first responders at the site of the World Trade Center in New York. Enos also wanted the town’s public safety personnel to know they are valued: “We appreciate the work that you do every day.”

Fire Chief Sandra Lowery called the actions of the terrorists “devastating” and noted the “courage” of the public safety personnel “inspires us to this day.”

Veterans Agent James LaFlame recalled when one of the hijacked planes flew into the Pentagon. A large number of the first responders were veterans. “They wanted to do everything and anything they could do to help,” LaFlame said, noting many of those veterans also served in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Other speakers included State Rep. Steven Howitt, R-Seekonk, and State Senator Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton. Deacon David Graham from the Seekonk Congregational Church delivered the invocation. The ceremony began with a moment of silence for Patrolwoman Kourtny DeForitis, who was killed in a motorcycle crash Saturday morning in Somerset.