Gloucester officials will host a live-streamed Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony this Friday to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the attacks.
The ceremony will be streamed on Facebook Live here starting at 9:55 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.
Though members of the public have been able to attend this event in the past, only on-duty personnel, a few elected officials, and members of the Gloucester Habormasters’ Office, Gloucester Veterans’ Services Office and United States Coast Guard will be able to attend the ceremony in person.
This limited guest list is meant to comply with the state’s restrictions on gathering size to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Those in attendance will also adhere to all face covering and social distancing guidelines.
All community members are invited to view the live stream of the ceremony instead on the Bridge Cape Ann Facebook page.
“It’s important that we continue to honor those who were lost on that day and in the aftermath of the attacks,” Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said. “Though this year’s event will be different than previous years, we are proud to still hold this important ceremony and to give community members a way to safely participate.”
“Each year, we join together on this somber day to honor all who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Police Chief Edward Conley said. “Though we cannot come together as a community like we have in the past, we hope you will join us virtually for this important ceremony.”
The ceremony will include a prayer by Gloucester Fire Chaplain Peter Aberle, a moment of silence, and the ringing of the ceremonial bell by the Gloucester Fire Department Color Guard.
“This year’s live streamed event is meant to bring the community together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice nearly 20 years ago while also preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” Fire Chief Eric Smith said. “We are humbled each year to honor the memories of all those lost in these attacks, and encourage residents to virtually join us.”