Westwood Remembers 9/11 [VIDEO, PHOTOS]

It was a morning of solemn rememberance on Sunday at Westwood Town Hall, where local officials and residents gathered for a brief memorial service in honor of the .

The ceremony opened around 8:30 a.m. with a lowering of the American Flag to half-staff, a symbol of respect for the heroes and victims who died in the terrorist attacks 10 years ago.

Board of Selectmen Chair Pat Ahearn opened the ceremony with a brief introduction of the Westwood Clergy: Reverend Sheldon C. Keller of of Westwood, Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein of , Deacon Joseph Holderried of , and Pastor Chris Dodge of .

“We gather to remember our devastation on that day, to remember all those who were killed - victims of hatred and violence," said Keller during his speach, which was followed by speeches from Wildstein, Holderreid and Dodge. "Those who sacrificed their lives or health to rescue others, and all those who have mourned, and continued to mourn their loss.” 

The service also featured an appearance by John Regan, State Sen. Mike Rush's Chief of Staff; Rush was unable to attend the service due to his serving overseas in Iraq until January, and as such Regan read the following letter written by the Senator:

"Greetings from Baghdad, Iraq. I want to take this opportunity to recognize the Town of Westwood for hosting this event today commemorating the 10 year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. Although I am not here physically with you today, I am here with you in spirit. It is a bittersweet day. 

“On one hand we are celebrating honor in the military, public safety personnel, and their families who have given so much at a time when the country needed them most. On the other hand it is also a time to look back and remember that fateful day.

“We all remember where we were on Sept. 11, 2001. I was in the middle of teaching a social studies class at Catholic Memorial. Upon hearing the news of the first tower, I turned on the TV in the class and we witnessed the second plane hit. It is a day that I, and am sure that all of you will never forget. Being an active member of the Navy Reserve at the time, I knew at that moment that my life would change. In some way or form, 9/11 has changed all of our lives. 

“Although it took nine years, I am now serving with some of the finest active duty and reserve soldiers, sailors, and airmen here in Iraq that I have ever met. Many of these brave individuals joined the military solely because of what happened on 9/11. 

“The people of Westwood are strong advocates for the women and men who serve in the military, and our veterans. This is evident today by this outstanding tribute to our veterans, their families, active military service members, and public safety officials throughout the Commonwealth.

“We also should pay special tribute to our police and fire personnel, who have also put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and secure. I wish I could be with you here today to honor those who give and have given so much so that our freedoms are preserved. Best wishes, and God speed.”

State Rep. Paul McMurty (D-Dedham) also spoke of the tragic events.

“As we think back just a decade ago, we remember the morning of Sept. 11, when time seemingly froze," McMurtry said. "We remember where we were, who we were with, we remember being overcome with thoughts of fear and sadness, feelings that none of us have ever had in our lifetimes." 

Following McMurty, Ahearn took the stand and spoke of the tragedy.

“The first time I spoke about this was a year after the attacks, and as I was getting ready to come my oldest daughter was going out the door, and I thought, 'How many people went out the door that morning 10 years ago never to see a loved one again?’ So I would encourage all of you to take the time to make sure your family knows how special they are to you, and to do the same thing with your friends,” said Ahearn.

Westwood Fire Chief William Scoble also spoke, and explained how many lives were lost in each area affected directly by the attacks.

“On that terrible day nearly 3,000 lives were lost. 2,753 at the World Trade Center, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 on flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania," Scoble said. "Of those 2,753 in New York, 23 were members of the New York City Police Department, 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department, and 343 members of the Fire Department of New York. It is estimated that between 14,000 and 17,000 people were in the Trade Towers at the time the plane struck, and there is no question that the brave actions of those souls, those 343 that lost their lives, saved so many others.”

Scoble went on to talk of two brother firefighters who were on the scene in New York City; one was assigned to check the stairwells in the North Tower after the South Tower had already collapsed.

“The one entering the stairwell paused, looked back at his brother, they shared a look, a nod, and he went off into the darkness," Scoble said. "The brother in the lobby survived, the brother in the stairwell did not. The surviving brother later relayed that they both knew it was the last time they would see each other.”

The ceremony ended with a closing prayer from members of the Westwood Clergy, a ringing of bells, and a solemn Amazing Grace on bagpipes. 

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