Wellesley first responders, elected officials, faith leaders, and residents shared memories and reflections at the Town's annual September 11th ceremony.
The solemn event took place at Wellesley Fire Department headquarters on Route 9. Under a clear blue sky, flags were at half staff and fire engines and an ambulance sat silently outside.
Inside, Wellesley Fire Chief Steve Mortarelli gave brief remarks that acknowledged the acts of evil on that tragic day, and also the tremendous acts of courage, bravery, and sacrifice.
Guest speakers offered prayers and words of remembrance and included Father Jim Laughlin of the St. John-St. Paul Catholic Collaborative, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Pete Jones, Rep. Alice Peisch, and Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley Weston Chabad.
In her remarks, Select Board Chair Colette Aufranc addressed the many members of the Fire Department and Wellesley Police Department standing at attention during the ceremony. "I want to share a message today to all of our first responders. We see you, we remember, and we thank you."
Four Wellesley residents were killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks - John Cahill, Neilie Casey, Edmund Glazer, and Patrick Quigley.
The ceremony concluded with bells ringing in memory of those individuals and everyone who died on September 11, 2001.