Westfield Residents Gather for 9/11 Ceremony

Family, friends and strangers came out to remember the Westfield residents who lost their lives on Sept. 11 2001 with a ceremony at the town's 9/11 memorial on Wednesday.

A moment of silence was held for each Westfield resident who was killed during the attacks, as well as all those impacted by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Religious members were also at the ceremony to offer support.

"This annual commemoration of the tragic events of 9/11 is more than just a marking of an anniversary," Mayor Andy Skibitsky expressed. "It is imperative that we commemorate this day to honor the lives of the innocent victims, to recognize the unimaginable pain begin suffered by their loved ones and offered our continued support and to pay tribute to the remarkable fortitude of the victims families." 

The service honored:
Andrew J. Alameno, David Otey Campbell, Michael A. Davidson, Dean P. Eberling, Stephen Mark Fogel, Thomas Glasser, Leo Russell Keene III, Richard B. Madden, John “Pepe” Salerno, See-Wong Shum, Anthony Starita and Jim Walsh.

The town also visited the ceremony in support of the entire country coming together following the attacks.

"We must also commemorate this date in order to keep alive the patriotism and extraordinary acts of heroism that occurred in reaction to the attacks," Skibitsky said. 

Westfield's 9/11 Memorial was created entirely through donated funds. Just two days after Mayor Greg McDermott announced the fundraiser in 2002, the goal of $75,000 was raised. The memorial was built completely by volunteers from Westfield each Saturday for four months.

Check back with Westfield Patch for a video Mayor Skibitsky holding a moment silent for each man lost.