City leaders, firefighters, police officers and plenty of community members lined Perkins Street last Thursday morning to remember and honor the lives lost to the 9/11 attacks 24 years ago. The group met at the Peabody Public Safety Memorial, where a 20-minute memorial ceremony was held.
Fire Chief Jay Dowling kicked off the morning by reminding those in attendance of “the day that forever changed our nation and our world.”
He said, “24 years ago, ordinary people began their day like any other, unaware that history would remember their courage, sacrifice and resilience. 2,977 lives were lost in the attack. Among the fatalities were 343 members of the FDNY (New York City Fire Department), 72 members of the NYPD (New York City Police Department) and 55 members of the military.”
Dowling added, “Today, we remember each of them, and we honor their memory, but remembrance is not only about looking back. It’s also about how we move forward with unity, compassion and a commitment to the values that define us: freedom, justice and a resilience in the face of adversity.”
Mayor Ted Bettencourt was next up to the microphone, and he began his remarks by sharing that the location for last Thursday’s annual 9/11 ceremony was “a very special place in our city: this beautiful police and fire memorial that stands as a testament to the hard working men and women that make up our police and fire departments and all of our emergency personnel.” He added that “this is the perfect place to have this ceremony.”
“We in the City of Peabody always honor Janis Lasden and Christine Barbuto as people that passed away on 9/11. We think of them certainly today and their families,” Bettencourt said. “I also wanted to mention, and I’ve learned a little bit over the last few weeks talking to the family of Don DiTullio.
“You may have heard that name. Don also passed away on 9/11. He and Janis lived in Peabody. He was a resident of Lynn for many years, and he’s honored in Lynn, but the City of Peabody, we should honor him as well – and we’re going to be working on a plan to honor Don.”
DiTullio’s family was in attendance last Thursday morning, and Bettencourt thanked them for being there.
Some prayers were shared – notably including the firefighter’s prayer and the police officer’s prayer – and arms were presented. Last up to speak was Police Chief Tom Griffin.
“Today, we gather to remember one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Sept. 11, 2001 is a day that changed us forever,” he said. “We remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost and families torn apart and the countless acts of bravery by first responders and everyday citizens who rushed forward to those who were in need.
“As we reflect, we are reminded that the tragedy has a way of showing us who we are as Americans”
He noted that the attacks of 9/11 united neighbors, and “that spirit of unity is as important today as it was 24 years ago. The challenges we may face may be different, but the answers always remain the same.”
Griffin continued, “We must stand together – whether it’s in the face of a disaster, uncertainty or hardship, we are stronger when we support one another, when we care for one another and when we choose compassion…
“Let us teach future generations that the greatest tribute we can give to the heroes and victims of 9/11 is to build a stronger, kinder community.”
