25 years later, coming together on 9/11

David Lawrence Angell. Carol Marie Bouchard. Mark Lawrence Charette. James Edward Hayden. Amy Nicole Jarret. Kathryn L. Laborie. Shawn M. Nassaney. Renee Tetreault Newell. Jessica Leigh Sachs.

Their names were read aloud by Col. Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, on Friday morning at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. All nine Rhode Islanders died in the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

Over 100 people attended the solemn 45-minute ceremony with state leaders, first responders, and Gold Star families.

The names of over 20 military service members from Rhode Island who died in the global war on terror in the years after 9/11 were read aloud by Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Chevalier, the adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard.

Gov. Dan McKee, who spoke at the ceremony, directed U.S. and Rhode Island flags to remain at half-staff at all state facilities and buildings on Friday. McKee also urged Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a sign of respect.

“Twenty-five years later and the pain of September 11th still feels fresh for so many,” McKee said in prepared remarks. “Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in the tragic attacks in New York City. Among them, nine Rhode Islanders were taken from us too soon. We may never fully know the pain their families and friends feel. But today and every day, Rhode Island stands with them and their loved ones.”

McKee noted that the uncertainty, fear, and grief that swept across the country immediately after the attacks.

“It’s a feeling and a moment we must never forget,” he added. “But we also remember the inspiring bravery and heroism. Firefighters, police officers and first responders running into the towers to help strangers, not knowing if they’d ever make it out. And after the smoke cleared and the dust settled, everyday citizens united hand in hand, lifting each other up to help in any way they could. That unity is what defines our nation. It echoes the principles of liberty: freedom, independence and perseverance on which this nation was built upon.”

McKee paid tribute to military members, Gold Star families, and all who served in the aftermath of 9/11.

“And we pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” the governor said. “We will always remember their valor, and we are stronger for it. Today, we remember the lives lost and thank those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom. Twenty-five years later, we have not forgotten and we will never forget. Thank you all for being here.”