Fall River marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks at a remembrance ceremony at Battleship Cove that brought together municipal leaders, clergy, first responders, Gold Star families and community volunteers.

The ceremony included the national anthem sung by Rachel Raposa, an invocation by clergy, remarks from Chris Nardi of Battleship Cove, remarks by Sen. Roberts (as identified in the ceremony), Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan and Fall River Fire Department Chief Bacon, a wreath presentation, a 21‑gun salute from the Battleship Massachusetts and a dove release by the Demaris family.

The event combined readings, musical tribute and historical reflection to honor those who died and those who responded on Sept. 11, 2001. Chris Nardi, chief operating officer at Battleship Cove, opened the program and thanked public safety personnel, elected officials and volunteers who helped organize the ceremony. Sen. Roberts and Mayor Paul Coogan offered public remarks remembering the scope of the attacks and the first responders’ actions.

Fall River Fire Department Chief Bacon, who said he was hired by the department the year after the attacks, urged the community to carry the memory forward. “Remember to remember Sept. 11,” Bacon said, calling for continued public observance and family storytelling so the events remain part of living memory.

Bacon noted a change in public observance over time, saying larger crowds and wider media attention have diminished for many ceremonies, and he encouraged attendees to bring younger generations to future events. He also described how James Pelletier and his nonprofit, Remember to Remember September eleventh, supplied 343 memorial flags — one for each firefighter who died on Sept. 11 — and produced an audio recording of the names of every victim, with a goal of national broadcast on the anniversary.

Speakers at the ceremony recited figures and named groups who died on Sept. 11 as read during the program: 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, 55 military personnel at the Pentagon and 2,192 civilians (as stated in the ceremony). The program included a wreath delivery by Chief Agia and Chief Fonts and concluded with ceremonial honors including the 21‑gun salute and the dove release.

The observance emphasized remembrance as an act of community and service, with clergy leading prayers and a benediction closing the service. Organizers asked attendees to continue bringing children and grandchildren to the ceremony to pass down the names and stories of the day.