Bolton marks 24th anniversary of Sept. 11 with remembrance ceremony

Bolton held a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on the evening of Sept. 11, 2025, drawing local officials, first responders, school choirs, scouts and residents to honor those killed in the 2001 attacks and the emergency personnel who responded.

Organized by the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department with support from the town of Bolton and the Bolton School System, the event included remarks from local leaders, a brief religious reflection, musical performances by students and a traditional ‘‘last alarm’’ bell ceremony.

Retired Deputy Fire Chief Bob Mora served as master of ceremonies and opened the program, thanking the volunteer and municipal staff who helped stage the event. The program listed participants including Bolton scouts led by Thomas Charnin, EMTs from the Ambulance Service of Manchester, the Bolton High School choir under Dan Yers and the school band directed by Sean McCormack. Mora also singled out a firefighter and EMT identified in the program as Melissa for organizing the student and musical portions.

A town official identified in the program as the first selectman placed the ceremony in national context, saying, “The attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon on flight 93, claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Among them, 343 firefighters who ran toward danger and not away from them.” The first selectman noted the ongoing legacy of service and sacrifice by emergency personnel.

State Representative Tim Eckert told the audience that the unity that followed the attacks remains an important lesson, saying, “Even in our darkest moments, we have the power to rise together.” Firefighter Dave McElhinney delivered a brief faith reflection and prayer; during his remarks he said, “You can talk to God anytime,” and urged attendees to cherish family and community.

A family member who identified herself in the program as Mrs. Corganio spoke about personal loss and community memory, saying, “After 9/11, the cry was never forget,” and thanking the town for keeping the names and memories of victims alive.

The ceremony included the fire service ‘‘last alarm’’: a traditional signal of three rings, three times, to honor those who died in the line of duty. Organizers closed by thanking the students, the town crew and volunteers, and asking the audience once more to ‘‘never forget.’”

The event was ceremonial: there were no votes, policy actions or official directions recorded during the program. Attendees were encouraged to observe a moment of reflection and to support local first responders through appreciation and remembrance.