To honor the fallen firefighters, police officers, EMT’s and members of the armed services, the Springfield Fire and Emergency Services and Springfield Police Department will hold the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony in front of Springfield’s September 11th Monument in Riverfront Park. The ceremony will be held in the shadow of the monument. In response to the tolling of the fire bell, Emergency response vehicles will roll across the Memorial Bridge. A wreath will be laid on the monument. The program will close with a rifle salute and Taps by the Springfield Police Department.
The event will be held on September 11th at 6pm in front of the monument in Riverfront Park. This will allow guests to view the monument at night when the lights shine on the World Trade Center I-Beam and casts its shadow on the curved bronze wall making the Twin Towers appear between the 498 names of the first responders.
The ceremonial portion of the program will include the roll out of equipment with Springfield Police Department cruisers and motorcycles, Springfield Fire Department engine, and an American Medical Response ambulance. The Springfield Fire Department will toll the fire bell. A wreath will be laid by Commissioner Calvi, Superintendent Akers, Mr. Leonardo, and Colonel Halasi-Kun. The Springfield Police Department will conclude the program with a rifle salute and the playing of taps.
Free parking will be available in the I-91 South Garage, the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission will provide water, and Walmart will distribute flags. Limited seating will be available. Lawn chairs are welcome.
The annual remembrance ceremony will honor the 498 first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and whose names are listed on Springfield’s monument.
Riverfront Park
Springfield’s September 11th Monument, includes a giant curved piece of bronze. It is more than 9 feet tall by 12 feet, and contains 498 names.
We encourage everyone to visit Springfield’s September 11th Monument and pause to remember the 498 first responders whose lives that were lost that day. There were brothers, cousins, a K-9 officer, members of the military, and some with connections to our community.
Upon close review, visitors will discover two of the same names, Michael Francis Lynch. Both were with the New York Fire Department. One was stationed on Engine 40 and the other on Ladder 4. There is also a paw print in honor of K-9 Sirius, a yellow Labrador who was a member of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.
