NATICK, Mass. — Soldiers, civilians, and local first responders gathered in front of Carney Hall at Natick Soldier Systems Center on Wednesday to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony, held in front of Building 1, featured solemn traditions, meaningful speeches, and the symbolic ringing of bells to commemorate the lives lost.
Retired Hudson Fire Chief Bryan Johannes, a 36-year fire department veteran and former Navy Submarine Force member, now serving as Fire Protection Specialist at Natick Soldier Systems Center, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Johannes, who played a key role in planning, ensured the inclusion of the historic bell ringing tradition, a symbolic gesture in firefighting that honors fallen first responders. The bell, rung in four sets of five chimes, marks the end of a firefighter's shift and signifies the ultimate sacrifice made in service. This tradition, dating back to the late 1800s when bells were used to communicate between stations, resonated powerfully during the observance, evoking the tragic moments of September 11.
Brig. Gen. George C. Hackler, the event’s keynote speaker, began his remarks by reflecting on the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks and the enduring impact on the nation. "Today, we remember those nearly 3,000 men, women, and children lost in the attacks of September 11,” Hackler said. “We also honor more than 6,000 service members who have given their lives in Afghanistan and in Iraq, as well as tens of thousands of our wounded warriors, and the Gold Star families of our fallen heroes.”
Fire Chief Jason Ferschke and Police Chief James Hicks were present to read the 2024 Presidential Proclamation and the 2024 Massachusetts Governor’s Proclamation. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Mathew read the firefighter’s prayer followed by the reading of the police officer’s prayer by Police Officer Jaylene Arroyo, in tribute to the first responders who displayed courage and selflessness on that tragic day. "How we remember that day is a mark of our resilient American spirit,” Hackler added. “We honor and remember those lost, but we also recognize that on that day, a date that once held no special meaning, our country and a generation of Americans were changed in an instant."
As the bells tolled, the audience stood in silence, reflecting on the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and civilians alike.
Brig. Gen. Hackler concluded his speech with a tribute to both the military and first responders who have carried the burden of the nation's defense. “Our first responders and emergency workers who responded on 9/11 are a testament to the caliber of citizens we have in this great Nation,” he said. "Every day, first responders, firefighters, police officers, medical practitioners report for duty that includes long hours and sometimes at the risk of themselves. Like our service members, they get no days off in this tireless fight against those that threaten the American way of life."
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and the playing of America the Beautiful, as the flag at half-staff waved in remembrance. Hackler’s closing words emphasized the strength and resilience of the American people: “As we look back and remember September 11, 2001, we need to look toward the future and plan where we will go next. Thanks to the commitment and character of the 9/11 generation, we have the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped fighting force in history. This we’ll defend.”
Natick’s 9/11 observance continues to serve as a reminder of the strength and unity that emerged from that tragic day, as well as a tribute to those who gave everything in the defense of freedom.
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