By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
HUDSON – In observance of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack, a brief remembrance ceremony took place Sept. 11 outside the Hudson Fire Department (HFD) Headquarters. Participants gathered around the HFD’s 9/11 memorial, which includes a steel beam acquired in 2011 through the World Trade Center Artifacts Program.
The beam is placed on two granite stones and backed with a glass etching that depicts the World Trade Center.
A bronze plaque on the memorial pays tribute to the 2,752 victims of the attack, including over 400 first responders.
Hudson first responders volunteered to construct the memorial with materials donated by local businesses.
Fire Chief Bryan Johannes was among several Hudson firefighters who drove to New York City in 2011 to acquire the 1,300-pound steel beam. Johannes explained the memorial’s history at this year’s ceremony.
“Ten years ago today, this memorial was dedicated here at the Hudson Fire Department Headquarters,” he noted.
Johannes and Police Sgt. Roger Downing read the firefighter’s and police officer’s prayers, respectively.
Firefighter Patrick Kelleher and Police Officer Peter Lambert laid a wreath at the memorial.
Color guards of the fire and police departments presented the colors while “Taps” was played by Gary Murphy, a retired Stow police officer.
Johannes offered final words.
“Twenty years ago, our nation suffered one of the most horrific acts that one could imagine on the sovereignty of our nation,” he said. “Our nation came together, prayed, and vowed to never forget. Let us continue to honor this pledge to never forget.”
