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Somerville holds Sept. 11 remembrance, honors first responders and veterans
Summary
City leaders, veterans and clergy gathered at the Somerville 9/11 Memorial to mark the anniversary, call for unity and honor those who died and those who served.
Somerville — City veterans, elected leaders, clergy and first responders gathered at the Somerville 9/11 Memorial on Thursday evening to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and honor victims, first responders and military service members.
Jerome Thomas, director of veteran services for the City of Somerville, opened the ceremony and led participants in a moment of silence. “We remember tonight, we honor them in their memory, and we reaffirm our promise that we will never forget,” Thomas said, urging attendees to teach future generations both the history of 9/11 and “the human humanity that followed.”
The event included remarks from Mayor Valentine, who reflected on the unity and compassion that followed the attacks. “The best of our shared humanity rose up to meet the worst of times,” Valentine said. Council President Lance Davis echoed that sentiment, saying the country “has more that connects us, and we are stronger when we can work together.”
Somerville Police Chief Benford thanked attendees and invoked the sacrifice of victims and first responders: “Today, we remember all of those lost on 09/11,” he said, naming victims, service members and first responders and calling for continued commitment to public safety and community partnership.
A member of the clergy identified as Father Paul offered opening and closing prayers that included prayers for the dead and for healing. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, the playing of Taps and a performance of “Amazing Grace.” Attendees were invited to place flowers around the memorial.
Why it matters: The ceremony reiterated local leaders’ call to honor victims by sustaining community ties and supporting first responders and veterans. Organizers asked residents to remember both the losses of Sept. 11, 2001, and the acts of service and solidarity that followed.
The program recognized Somerville’s police and fire departments and named Health and Human Services Director Karen Carroll and Deputy Director Nancy Bocce among invited officials. No formal actions, votes or policy decisions were proposed or taken at the event.
