Seekonk Remembers 9-11

Seekonk’s Police and Fire Departments held a ceremony to remember the terrorist attacks which occurred in New York City and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

“This has been a continuous ceremony to pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the last 24 years and Seekonk should be proud of that,” said Fire Chief Shaun Whalen.

In New York, 343 firefighters perished, along with 23 police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers, Whalen noted.

Nearly 3000 lives were ended and since that day, there have been more than 1000 others who perished from being exposed to the contaminants at the World Trade Center site. In addition, over 6900 members of the military have died fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We remember the heroes, the firefighters, the police officers, EMTs, all our first responders, those serving our country, and ordinary people,”

said State Senator Kelly Dooner, R- Taunton.

“They stepped forward without hesitation to help others, just good people doing good deeds.”

Kevin Kugel, the chair of the Seekonk Veterans Council, said September 11 was “the single deadliest day in U.S. history.”

 “They all died protecting the American ideals,” Kugel noted. “The ideals that this ceremony is all about and insuring that we don’t forget. That we don’t forget the sacrifices of those innocent people who did nothing more than be American.”

“The division we have in this country is just unacceptable,” said State Rep. Steve Howitt, R-Seekonk. “We have to come together as communities, as states, and as a country, it’s in our best interest. We can debate, we can disagree, but we have to come together for the betterment of our country.”

Police Chief David Enos recited the Policeman’s Prayer.

Deputy Fire Chief Adam Dalessio recited the Firefighter’s Prayer.

The Reverend Dr. Ruth Shaver from Seekonk Congregational Church delivered the invocation.

The Seekonk High School Band performed patriotic anthems.

Reverend John Amaral from New Destiny Church delivered the Benediction.