Over one hundred people were in attendance for Northfield's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony last Friday evening on the common. Many held lightedcandles to honor the memory of the victims of the 9/11 tragedy eight years ago. At precisely 7 p.m. last Friday night over one hundred that had assembled on the west end of the Common for Northfield's annual 9/11 remembrance Ceremony heard the sounds of bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" emanating from the area of the fire station.

Just moments later a small parade led by the Color Guards of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and Norwich University emerged under the large American flag that was elevated above the west entrance of the Common by two Northfield fire trucks. The body of the parade was made up of Cub Scouts, a detachment of Northfield firefighters, and a platoon of Norwich freshmen followed up by Northfields emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. The small but impressive group marched once around the common and formed a hollow square around the patio of the fountain.

Once the ranks were formed , Northfield Assistant Fire Chief, Chris Alger, who had organized the event, opened the ceremony with brief remarks concerning the memories that everyone who watched the events of

9/11 has of that day. "As we gather together again on this somber day I am sure that we all remember what we were doing eight years ago. The plan those terrorists had was to make America fall. But it did not, The American Spirit is strong. With determination and perseverance we have been rebuilding," Mr. Alger said. He also said to remember our current troops in the field and their families and current day firefighters and first responders.

Following the opening remarks five members of the clergy were asked to speak. Paul Ciampaglia, of the Northfield Bible fellowship, Marcus Crapsey, of St. Mary's Episcopal , Paul Hoffman, of Northfield United Methodist Parish, William Wick, Norwich Chaplain, and Father Kevin Rooney of St. John the Evangelist all presented scriptural readings and offered stories of personal experience while many in the crowd of over one hundred held lighted candles.. The Rev. Mr. Crapsey also stressed the importance of keeping the memories alive for those who are too young to have remembered the events of 9/11, 2001.

After the spiritual offerings, The Northfield Fire Chief, Peter DeMasi rang a bell in remembrance of firefighters who never came home.

The bell, which originally was on the Northfield Fire Department's 1935 Chevrolet fire truck, is now in the fire department museum at the fire house.

Assistant Chief Alger then asked the crowd if anyone had any stories to share. Receiving no replies he then dismissed the crowd with thanks and reminded them to never forget our current hero's serving in the military and in the emergency services. The short but impressive ceremony lasted about 30 minutes.

Paul Hoffman, of Northfield's United Methodist Parish stated that the ceremony was "moving, meaningful and heartfelt." The rest of the clergy concurred and said that they were glad they came.