29 September, 2021
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."
Town of Hopkinton Commemorates September 11th from John Guilfoil Public Relations on Vimeo.
