Listen to the full meeting
The City of Fall River held its annual Rite of Reflection ceremony on the grounds of the Battleship Massachusetts to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event commenced with the traditional striking of the four fives by Mike Arruda to render final honors to fallen first responders, followed by the national anthem sung by Rachel Raposo and an opening invocation delivered by Father Mike Racine.
Public safety leaders and municipal officials delivered remarks reflecting on the legacy and lessons of September 11. Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon spoke about the importance of remembering the national unity and shared humanity that emerged after the attacks, encouraging attendees to make a service pledge through 9/11 Day. Acting Police Chief J.T. Hoar, EMS Chief Fons, Bristol County Sheriff Heroux, and Mayor Paul E. Coogan offered tributes to the 2,977 victims, fallen emergency personnel, surviving responders battling chronic illnesses, and local victims connected to the Greater Fall River community.
Guest speaker Darlene Tetreault, founder of the South Coast Nurse Honor Guard, delivered a keynote address recognizing the critical contributions of nurses, healthcare professionals, and search-and-rescue canine teams during and after the tragedy. The ceremony concluded with a wreath presentation by EMA Chief Aguiar and Commander Caron at the contemplative circle, a 21-gun battery salute, the playing of Taps, a benediction by Father Rob Nemcovich, a release of peace doves, and musical performances of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘God Bless America.’
Topics discussed
- 2:14 · Striking of the Four Fives and Final Honors Tradition
Mike Arruda explained the historical origins of the fire service tradition of the ‘four fives’ bell toll dating back to 1865. - 5:30 · National Anthem and Invocation
Rachel Raposo performed the national anthem, followed by an invocation from Father Mike Racine reciting prayers offered at Ground Zero. - 10:20 · Fall River Police Department Remarks
Acting Police Chief J.T. Hoar spoke on the oath of public safety and honoring first responders and survivors suffering from post-9/11 illnesses. - 11:17 · Fall River Fire Department Remarks
Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon reflected on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, honoring Cantor Fitzgerald victim John Farrell and encouraging community service. - 25:43 · Fall River EMS and Bristol County Sheriff Remarks
Chief Fons and Bristol County Sheriff Heroux honored emergency responders, search and rescue canines, and the need to preserve history and national unity. - 30:14 · Mayoral Address and First Responders Reflection
Mayor Paul E. Coogan and Father Rob Nemcovich shared reflections honoring the victims, Gold Star families, and public safety personnel. - 32:47 · Keynote Address by South Coast Nurse Honor Guard
Darlene Tetreault spoke on the contributions of nurses and healthcare professionals on 9/11, remembering local victims Christopher D. Mello and Rev. Francis Grogan. - 46:44 · Wreath Laying, Battery Salute, Taps, and Concluding Observances
The ceremony concluded with a wreath placement, a 21-gun battery salute, Taps, a benediction, a dove release, and closing musical tributes.