Southwick remembers the tragic events of 25 years ago on 9/11

To remember those first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 25 years ago, Robert Frydryk played taps. Police Officer Steven Pinette and Sgt. Michael Westcott (with K9) honored the fallen with salutes.
Reminder Publishing photos by Cliff Clark

SOUTHWICK — For some, the horrific acts of terror that forever changed our nation on 9/11 have faded, and for a generation born after the attack, it is history. For others, the tragic events of that day and those that followed are seared forever into their memories, even 25 years later.

“It also strikes me that today is eerily similar in weather to that day 25 years ago. It’s so hard to believe those words because in so many ways, for many of us, September 11, 2001 still feels like yesterday,” said Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin during the 9/11 ceremony held Friday at the Fire Department.

The ceremony included the tolling of the firehouse bell for those who died, the playing of taps by Robert Frydryk, lowering the U.S. flag briefly to half-staff, and the haunting sounds of a single bagpipe playing “Scotland the Brave,” performed by Susan Blanchette of the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band.

“For those of us who were alive that morning, we remember where we were. We remember the weather. We remember the confusion, the disbelief, and then the terrible realization that our country was under attack,” he continued.

While more than 3,000 innocent lives were lost that day, the numbers can never tell the whole story.

“Every one of those people had a name, a family, friends, a job, a home, plans for that day and hope for the future. And among those who answered the call that morning were 341 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port Authority police officers, two FDNY medics, along with EMTs and other emergency responders who ran toward danger while everyone else was trying to get away. They knew the risks. They went anyway,” he said.

“That is what we remember here today,” Moglin said to the residents and city officials gathered to commemorate and reflect on the 25 years that have slipped by.

Moglin, who grew up only a few miles from the Twin Towers, remembered many who never came home that day.

“Besides the images of that day, one that haunts me to this day is a photo of cars at a parking lot days after the tragedy on 9/11; cars whose owners were never to return,” he said.

But in the days that followed, the country came together as only a few other events in its history have.

“Despite its grief and fear, Americans seemed to discover a renewed sense of purpose. Flags appeared everywhere. Strangers help strangers. People lined up to donate blood. And Southwick answered that call as well,” he said. “One of our police officers, along with their K9, went to Ground Zero to assist in the search and recovery efforts.”

With Southwick Police Chief Rhett Bannish looking on, Southwick Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin offered remarks at the town’s 9/11 ceremony.
Reminder Publishing photos by Cliff Clark

Many lessons were learned that day, and the country has changed since then, but “we are Americans, and when our neighbors need us, we respond. That’s especially true of the men and women who serve our community every day,” Moglin said.

Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz said Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 were unlike any two days in most Americans’ lives.

“And our responses as a nation were unlike any other,” he said before thanking those who had attended the ceremony and the members of the Southwick Regional School band, which played the national anthem to open it.

“It is invigorating and uplifting to see all of you here today, and I genuinely mean that. Thank you all for making the effort. I certainly hope that today will be like next year and the year after that and the year after that,” Stefanowicz said.

As Moglin wrapped up his remarks, he asked everyone gathered there to remember.

“We remember those who were lost, and we remember those who ran towards the danger. And we remember the families who were left behind. And remember the extraordinary way Americans came together in the days that followed. May we never forget them. And may we never forget what they gave. And may we never forget that, even in our darkest moments, there is strength in standing together. And as always, I’ll see you here, same time, same place.”