On Sept. 11, 2026, Massachusetts will observe the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a coordinated, statewide remembrance. The official program, titled “Massachusetts Remembers: United We Stand,” begins at 8:35 a.m. on the front steps of the State House in Boston.
Statewide moment of silence
Governor Maura Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and retired Major General Jonathan Treacy will present the American flag to the Color Guard before it is raised and lowered to half‑staff. At 8:46 a.m., the exact moment the first plane struck the North Tower, the governor is urging residents, schools, businesses and community organizations across the Commonwealth to observe a moment of silence.
Honoring Massachusetts victims and heroes
Following the silence, family members and state officials will read the names of the 2,977 victims, including more than 200 individuals with ties to Massachusetts. Retired Major General Treacy, who served as a lieutenant colonel at Otis Air National Guard Base during the attacks, will help lead the tribute.
The ceremony will also feature the presentation of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. The award honors Massachusetts residents who have displayed extraordinary courage in saving others, remembering flight attendant Amy Sweeney, whose quick actions aboard Flight 11 provided critical information to authorities.
Last year, the award went to two Everett public works employees who entered a burning apartment building and helped evacuate 14 people before firefighters arrived.
Governor’s remarks
Governor Healey said, “Twenty‑five years ago, our country changed forever. We remember the lives that were taken, especially the more than 200 from Massachusetts, and we stand with the families who have carried their memories forward.” She added that the nation’s response—neighbors helping one another, first responders running toward danger, and communities uniting—remains a model of courage and service.
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll echoed the sentiment, noting that “first responders ran toward danger, neighbors stepped up for one another and communities came together in extraordinary ways.” Both leaders emphasized the responsibility to pass these stories to the next generation.
Educational outreach and additional events
Students from schools across the Commonwealth will meet with 9/11 family members at the State House to learn about the victims and the lessons they hope future generations will carry forward. Additional commemorations include the annual wreath‑laying ceremony at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial and the 25th‑anniversary Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Ashburton Park.
The State House will be illuminated in red, white and blue on the evenings of Sept. 10 and Sept. 11, providing a visual reminder of the nation’s resilience.
Why the remembrance matters
Beyond honoring those lost, the events serve as a reminder of the values that bind Massachusetts families and communities: faith, service, and a steadfast commitment to liberty. By gathering together in prayer, reflection, and education, the Commonwealth reaffirms its dedication to the principles that guided the nation’s response on that tragic day.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
