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HOPKINTON — Town Manager Norman Khumalo is pleased to share a video of the Town of Hopkinton’s 9/11 Memorial Service in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Held on the Town Common, Town officials, the Veterans Celebration Committee, American Legion Post 202, Old Guard New England, residents and other guests gathered to remember all those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and in the global war on terrorism.
“It’s an emotional day,” said Select Board Chair Ifran Nasrullah during the ceremony. “You know, we all felt it. And it’s hard not to want to come together as a community. And Hopkinton is particularly great that way. We’re a great community and we lean on each other.”
The ceremony began with a prayer from Rev. Richard E. Cannon, followed by remarks from State Rep. Carolyn Dykema. The town also offered thanks to local police and fire departments for their service.
“To be here together to remember it, especially at this time together, and support each other and remember how we came together as a country that’s truly something to celebrate,” State Rep. Dykema said. “And Hopkinton, while a small community, it’s got a big, big heart.”
The ceremony honored Christopher Zarba Jr., a Hopkinton resident who was aboard American Airlines Flight 11 and died on that fateful day.
Additionally, the Town commemorated the 38 Hopkinton veterans who have passed away since March 2020, including American Legion Post 202 Members Jack Aroian, Roy Stratton, Thomas Ellam and Richard Brault.
“September 11th, 2001, is a day that will live in the hearts and minds of every American of age and reason,” said Michael Whalen, Adjutant, American Legion Post 202, during the ceremony. “You see those who obviously experienced that day back in 2001 and those who only heard about it. That gives me a lot of encouragement to know that this younger generation is interested in the past. So as we gather today, in solemn remembrance, let us also recognize those veterans we have lost in the past 18 months.”
The Hopkinton High School Band performed at the ceremony, which had about 100 people in attendance.
“It was truly a moving tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th and I was proud to see how many people from the community came out to take part,” Town Manager Khumalo said. “I want to thank everyone that participated in the event and gave remarks for this solemn occasion. Even though 20 years have gone by, it is truly inspiring to see that no one has forgotten the lives that were taken that day and their sacrifice has not been in vain.”
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