GREETINGS FROM
United States Congressman
RICHARD E. NEAL
Chair, House Ways and Means Committee
|
Commemorating the 20th Anniversary

Please join
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno
Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi,
Police Commissioner Cheryl C. Clapprood,
Springfield’s September 11th Committee,
Springfield Park Commission,
and Spirit of Springfield
For
SPRINGFIELD'S SEPTEMBER 11TH
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
Friday, September 10, 2021
6pm
Riverfront Park
Free Parking - I-91 South Garage
5pm - 9pm
|
About the Monument
Springfield’s September 11th Monument was 18 years in the making. It began with the former Springfield Fire Commissioner Gary Cassanelli’s vision to create a lasting memorial that would honor the 498 first responders, who lost their lives during the devastating terror attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, The Pentagon, and in Stonycreek Township in Pennsylvania.
|
At the request of Commissioner Cassanelli and former Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet, the Spirit of Springfield sent a letter under their signatures to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey seeking an artifact from the World Trade Center. The Spirit of Springfield persevered for several years until finally being approved in 2011. Charlie Arment Trucking volunteered to deliver the 9.5-foot tall steel beam to Springfield, where it received a hero’s welcome as it was paraded down Main Street on September 8, 2011. |
The task for finding the perfect location for the monument was undertaken by Patrick Sullivan, Springfield’s Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, Dennis Ledger, former Aide to the Commissioner of the Springfield Fire Department, as well as Judith Matt, President, and Amy Barron-Burke, Vice President of the Spirit of Springfield. With the many changes being made to Springfield’s landscape, it was a difficult task but eventually the newly renovated Riverfront Park was decided upon for the monument’s ultimate resting place. To raise the funds needed for the construction of the monument by Salmon Studios of Florence, Massachusetts, a fund-raising committee chaired by Frank Colaccino, President of The Colvest Group, was formed. |
The designers knew the first time they saw the artifact from the World Trade Center that it was a vertical beam. Their vision was for it to be in an upright position, placed in front of a giant curved bronze wall that would list the names of the first responders who lost their lives. At dark, when the lights would come on, the beam would cast the shadow of the Twin Towers upon the wall. |
Messages from the White House and New York
Springfield’s September 11th Monument was dedicated on June 19, 2019, with guests from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York Police and Fire Departments, National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and from President George W. Bush’s offices, Andrew H. Card Jr., former Chief of Staff, and Bradley Blakeman, former Deputy Assistant for Appointments and Scheduling, Vetting and Research, Correspondence and Surrogate Scheduling.
Since they were unable to attend, we asked them to share a message with those attending Springfield's September 11th Remembrance Ceremony. Here are some of them.
|
“On this eve of the 20th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation my thoughts and prayers are with all who responded and came to the aid of our nation that day and in the days, months and years that followed. We must never forget that day and pledge to honor the memories of the fallen and injured forever.
Thank you to the people of Springfield who are doing just that. Your spirit is felt and appreciated.”
Bradley Blakeman, former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush for Appointments and Scheduling, Vetting and Research, Correspondence and Surrogate Scheduling
|
“The terrorist attacks on 9/11 hit deep into the heart of New York City at the World Trade Center, but the reverberations also continue to be felt around the world. We are honored and grateful to the people, city, and Spirit of Springfield for their continued tribute to the lives lost on that tragic day. We stand together with them and remain resolute in our commitment to “Never Forget” our fallen brothers and sisters.”
Kenneth M. Quick, Inspector. Commanding Officer
Deputy Commissioner, Employee Relations
New York City Police Department
|
We used to tease my brother, Thomas Jurgens, on which uniform he was wearing today. As you can see by just a few of the pictures he was very patriotic. Although a Yankees fan and the memorial is in Massachusetts, we all have more in common than we don’t. I am proud that you, as a community, have continued to remember those who died in the attacks. I will forever remember Springfield Massachusetts and your beautiful memorial as we continue to move forward and Never Forget.
Thank you again and hope to see you in the future.
Joseph Jurgens, Lieutenant E-73, New York City Fire Department
Photo: Thomas Jurgens, New York City Fire Department
|
|
CEREMONY
Posting of the Colors
National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Blessing of the Monument
Ringing of the Fire Bell
Roll Out of Emergency Vehicles
First Responders Memorial Tribute
Laying of the Wreath
Rifle Salute
Playing of Taps
Retiring of the Colors
|
ADMISSION
Free
Limited Seating
Lawn Chairs
& Blankets Welcome
Parking
Free - I-91 South
5pm - 9pm
|
One Financial Plaza
1350 Main Street
Springfield
On Display Through
September 17, 2021
Curated by
Chris Marion and
Spirit of Springfield
|
DONORS
American Medical Response
Amtrak Police
Baystate Health
Chris Marion Photography
Chris Teebo Films
The Colvest Group
Comcast
Flowers, Flowers!
Hampden County Sheriff's Department
Health New England
JX2 Productions
Leo & Dot Lortie
Mercy Medical Center
Michael's Party Rentals
PeoplesBank
RC Creative
Steven & Georgianne Roberts
Spirit of Springfield
Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management
Springfield Fire Department
Springfield Parking Authority
Springfield Police Department
Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation
Springfield Water & Sewer Commission
WWLP-22News
|
|
‌
‌
‌
‌
