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9/11 ceremony to feature local leaders, remembrance of victims
Members of Old Guard New England fire off a gun salute during the town’s last 9/11 memorial services in 2021. FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
In memory of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Hopkinton resident and Marine Corps veteran Mike Whalen has organized a ceremony Friday at 6 p.m. at the Town Common gazebo.
Whalen, the Hopkinton American Legion Post 202 Commander, explained this ceremony typically is held every five years to recognize those who died in the 2001 attacks that leveled the twin towers in New York City.
“I want to share some information about what happened on that day,” he said. “I’ve spoken to several young people lately who had heard of 9/11 but didn’t know what it was about, so I felt that was important.”
State Rep. James Arena-DeRosa will be the featured speaker. Whalen added that representatives from the town’s police and fire departments have been invited to give remarks.
“I just hope that people in town make an effort to attend to honor the people who lost their lives,” said Whalen, “as well as to express gratitude and respect for all of the first responders from all over who helped in the rescue effort.”
He noted that Old Guard New England will be firing a rifle salute and will play taps to honor those who lost their lives.
Whalen recalled an experience at St. John the Evangelist Parish two decades ago that motivated him to continue this event.
“I remember vividly when I spoke to someone at church of Muslim descent who had recently moved to town,” he said. “I was told how children of Southeast Asian heritage were being taunted by kids in town [after 9/11].
“I said, ‘I don’t want that to be a part of anybody’s childhood,’ ” he stressed. “Not in my town.”
He later spoke to others in the Southeast Asian community about their experiences.
“They were afraid,” said Whalen. “Some even changed their last names to sound more American.”
He noted that “most people know that this was done by Islamic jihadists.”
“It wasn’t an ethnic group or a religion,” said Whalen. “Just a small group possessed by evil that was trying to make trouble for our country and cause division.”
He stressed that everyone should feel welcome in Hopkinton.
The event will be broadcast on HCAM-TV.
“Looking at the future, this may be the last time we do this,” lamented Whalen. “It just doesn’t mean as much to people now.”
— MARY ELLEN GAMBON
Latest News
Residents provided feedback to the Select Board on Tuesday during a public forum regarding Flock Safety cameras and other surveillance technology.
Julia Chun, the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager, joined the Select Board at its meeting Tuesday to discuss ways the town can improve its communication strategies.
The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday discussed its transition plan and the process for hiring a new director as outgoing director Jon Lewitus prepares his exit.
This week’s Police Log features one arrest, along with reports of a stolen e-bike, syringes left in a roadway and a man running away from a group home.
Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (7).
Photo of the Day
Homes in the Legacy Farms North neighborhood and the Hopkinton Reservoir are displayed in this drone photo during a recent sunset.
PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE
Thanks to Mike for coordinating this event. Personally, my wife and I sheltered the kids from the news coverage as they were too young to be exposed to this horrific event while it was happening. Now as adults, I believe this anniversary, like Pearl Harbor Day, should be remembered, and learned from.