Brewster Fire Department Holds Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Brewster, MA – At 6:00 p.m. this evening, the Brewster Fire Department held its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, honoring the lives lost on one of the most tragic days in American history.
Dozens of firefighters, police officers, and community members gathered in front of Brewster Fire Station 1, where Chief Varley led the solemn observance. The tradition was first established in 2011 by Retired Chief Robert Moran, who was among the responders who traveled to New York City in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Moran worked side by side with firefighters from across the nation at Ground Zero, combing through steel and rubble in an effort to recover victims and provide closure to families.
During the ceremony, Chief Moran reflected on his time in Lower Manhattan. He described the haunting memories of sirens, collapsing debris, and the acrid smell of smoke and ash. Years later, he said, visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum brought back those emotions with a clarity that underscored both the grief and determination shared by those who responded.
As night fell, the American flag was lowered to half-staff while the notes of Amazing Grace filled the air. The ceremony closed with the tolling of the 5-5-5 bell, a fire service tradition that symbolizes the final call for those who have given their lives in the line of duty.
This year’s commemoration paid tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters and paramedics, 23 NYPD officers, 37 Port Authority officers, and the 2,996 total lives lost on September 11, 2001. The ceremony reaffirmed the community’s commitment to ensuring their bravery, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten.
Brewster, MA – At 6:00 p.m. this evening, the Brewster Fire Department held its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, honoring the lives lost on one of the most tragic days in American history.
Dozens of firefighters, police officers, and community members gathered in front of Brewster Fire Station 1, where Chief Varley led the solemn observance. The tradition was first established in 2011 by Retired Chief Robert Moran, who was among the responders who traveled to New York City in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Moran worked side by side with firefighters from across the nation at Ground Zero, combing through steel and rubble in an effort to recover victims and provide closure to families.
During the ceremony, Chief Moran reflected on his time in Lower Manhattan. He described the haunting memories of sirens, collapsing debris, and the acrid smell of smoke and ash. Years later, he said, visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum brought back those emotions with a clarity that underscored both the grief and determination shared by those who responded.
As night fell, the American flag was lowered to half-staff while the notes of Amazing Grace filled the air. The ceremony closed with the tolling of the 5-5-5 bell, a fire service tradition that symbolizes the final call for those who have given their lives in the line of duty.
This year’s commemoration paid tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters and paramedics, 23 NYPD officers, 37 Port Authority officers, and the 2,996 total lives lost on September 11, 2001. The ceremony reaffirmed the community’s commitment to ensuring their bravery, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten.
Read Next
Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes on I-195 in Dartmouth
Wrentham Firefighters Rescue Pets From Early Morning House Fire
Woburn Firefighters Contain Midday Brush Fire Behind North Warren Avenue
Eleven Displaced After Early Morning Fire on Baird Street in Boston