Solemn remembrances were held on the Vineyard Friday as Islanders honored those who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks 25 years ago.
Ceremonies were held in the morning in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. In Oak Bluffs, a large American flag hung from an extended fire truck ladder at the fire department. Members of the department were joined by first responders from across the Vineyard.
“Today we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor and embrace the bravery of first responders and heroes like the passengers of Flight 93,” said Oak Bluffs fire Chief Stephen Foster. “We honor and reflect on the unity, the resilience, the renewal that emerged from the attacks, and empathize with the importance of service, the lasting impact on survivors and their families and the commitment to never forget the sacrifices that were made on that day.”
During the service, remarks were also given by Father Joseph Pasala, pastor of the Good Shepherd Parish, Brian Patrick Hall, a senior firefighter and rescue diver at the Oak Bluffs fire department, and Randy Weis, who presented a large painting depicting the tragedy that occurred 25 years ago.
The painting was created by his wife Peggy, who was born and raised in Manhattan.
“Peggy is an artist,” said Mr. Weis. “And on that evening, she disappeared to the upper floor of our house, where she had a small studio, and she didn’t emerge for about a week. She was up there creating and it was her way of dealing with what happened on 9/11.”
With the American flag as a backdrop, her work features images of victims painted inside stars.
“The painting has a history of having been at different firehouses and different places on the anniversary of 9/11,” said Ms. Weis, whose father worked across the street from where the towers once stood. “It’s a celebration and a horror of what happened and I think that needs to be reminded on a regular basis.”
Ms. Weis’ work will now be on display at the Oak Bluffs fire department.
First responders who were in attendance stood at attention as the flag was raised to half-mast. This was followed by a moment of silence for the victims.
“We remember the lives, we honor the heroes, we pray for the families and we will never forget,” said Chief Foster.
In Edgartown, a small ceremony led by fire Chief Alex Schaeffer was held outside the police department. After a reading, a firefighter rang the bell on the fire truck to remember the dead and honor the rescuers involved.
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