09/15/2026
Twenty-five years ago today, our nation changed forever.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard four hijacked planes. Among them were 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of our military, flight crews, and people simply going about their lives that morning.
Thousands more responded in the hours, days and months that followed. Many became sick from that work, and many have since died. Families still carry the loss. Survivors still carry the memories.
That is why we remember.
This morning, members of Everett Fire gathered for a small, intimate ceremony at Fire Headquarters to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Our Honor Guard retired the flag that had flown outside headquarters, raised a new one and lowered it to half-staff. We heard the fire service bell toll in remembrance of those who answered their final call.
Chief Dave DeMarco, IAFF Local 46 President Mike Morton and Everett Fire Chaplain Amy Balmer shared reflections on loss, service, sacrifice, hope and love.
For some in our department, September 11 is a memory they can still see and feel. Only about 20 members of Everett Fire who were serving when 9/11 happened remain with the department today.
And now we have firefighters serving beside them who were not yet born on September 11, 2001.
That may be one of the most important reasons we continue to gather.
Because someday no one will be left in our firehouse who remembers that morning firsthand. The responsibility then belongs to all of us: to tell the story, remember the people behind the numbers, and make sure the courage and sacrifice of that day are never reduced to a chapter in a history book.
We remember the firefighters who climbed the stairs while others were coming down. We remember the police officers, paramedics, military members, flight crews and ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage. We remember those who died, those who survived, those who responded and the families whose lives were forever changed.
And we remember what followed: people helping strangers, communities standing together and a nation reminded of how much we need one another.
Twenty-five years later, remembering is not only about looking back.
It is about honoring those who came before us by how we serve today, and making sure the next generation understands what was given before them.
We remember. We honor. We carry it forward.
Never forget.
