Ten years later Hanscom to remember Sept. 11

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  To mark the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Hanscom will hold a special ceremony on Sept. 9 beginning at 10 a.m. at the POW/MIA memorial near the corner of Barksdale and Grenier streets.

After welcoming remarks and the posting of the colors, the remembrance will begin with the winner of the essay contest reading their submission. The essay contest, which is open to any seventh or eighth grader, reflects on the theme, "How the world has changed since Sept. 11, 2001."

"These kids were very young when Sept. 11 happened," said Bobby Jacques, the event organizer. "They will be invited, along with their parents, to read a 150-word essay and be presented with a $250 savings bond from the Hanscom Federal Credit Union, who sponsored the contest."

Jonathan Elias, WBZ-TV news anchor and the 66th Air Base Group honorary commander, will serve as the guest speaker.

After the ceremony at the POW/MIA memorial, attendees will be invited to take a photo remembrance walk from the memorial, around Schilling Circle and end at the Minuteman Commons.

"As people walk through the photo remembrance, we hope they reflect on this tenth anniversary of 9-11," said Mr. Jacques. "They will see photos of the people who perished and those who helped others. They will realize the changes that this brought forth and, most of all, never forget."

Once at the commons, attendees will be able to watch a video with brief interviews of people answering the question, "Where were you and how did it change your world?"

"I think it's important for us to remember that this horrific event brought us together as a nation and brought out our true colors as we showed our patriotism and worked together to get through it," Mr. Jacques said. "We need to reflect on those who perished in all of the attacks. We all have some tie to the tragedy. Many of us lost friends, co-workers, family members and would like to pay our respects to them. Just as importantly, our military was launched into action to protect our freedom once again."

Anyone interested in attending the Sept. 11 remembrance event is asked to RSVP by calling 781-225-1329 no later than Aug. 31.