20th Anniversary of 9/11 Provokes Sense of Déjà Vu for Some

Franklin Fire Department Paramedic Jeffrey Ward, shown above after just lowering the flag to half staff in honor of 9/11 victims on Saturday morning.

A sunny Saturday morning was the scene for recollection and reflection at Franklin Fire Department headquarters. The department has held the ceremony annually to honor the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001, including 344 firefighters.

As the group assembled, Fire Chief James McLaughlin was flanked by several members of the Franklin Police Department, including Chief Thomas J. Lynch. Also in attendance were State Rep. Jeff Roy, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Clerk Glen Jones, and Members Debbie Pellegri, Melanie Hamblin, and Brian Chandler, Andrew Bissanti, and Cobi Frongillo as well as several other officials and citizens.

Shannon Nisbet, the newly appointed Veterans Services Officer, ended up fielding comments and concerns expressed by attendees about services for veterans.

The speaker at the event, Fire Department Chaplain Rick Marcou, offered brief remarks about the indelible impression that 9/11 left on everyone and the emotions that are still raw, especially in the first responder community.

He closed his remarks by reading The Firefighters Prayer:

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,

give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,

or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,

and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,

to guard my neighbor and protect his property.