Shrewsbury Fire Dept. Invites Residents To 9/11 Remembrance

SHREWSBURY, MA — The community will be observing the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the Shrewbury Fire headquarters, located at 11 Church Road.

The ceremony will begin at 9:55 a.m., but Fire Chief James M. Vuona is asking that attendees arrive by 9:45 a.m.

The ceremony will follow the 9/11 Remembrance Protocol, which was issued in previous years by the Department of Fire Services and the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts.

The 9/11 Remembrance will include:

9:55 a.m. - Apparatus roll out of bays to appropriate location in front of station.

10 a.m. - All available fire department personnel and any guests assemble at attention in front of apparatus and maintain silence.

• Ring Bell 5 – 5 – 5 – 5 (4 sets of 5 chimes each)
• Lower station flag to half-mast
• 1 minute of complete silence
• Prayer, followed by Firefighters’ Prayer
• Ring Bell 5 – 5 – 5 – 5
• Raise Flag
• Return to service

Prayer:

"Oh God, we remember before you this day our brothers and sisters lost on Sept. 11, 2001. We thank you for their example of courage and sacrifice. In your boundless compassion, console their families, friends, co-workers and all who mourn their loss. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our journey and serve with honor, dignity and courage. AMEN."

Firefighters’ Prayer:

"When I am called to duty, wherever flames may rage, give me the strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if according to God’s will, I must answer death’s call, bless with your protecting hand, my family, one and all. AMEN."