Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 11, 2026 9/11 | FROM PAGE 1 be lowered to half-staff and calling on residents, schools, businesses and organizations to observe a statewide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. on Friday, September 11, marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The State House was also illuminated in red, white and blue last night, September 10, and this honor continues tonight, September 11. Today, September 11, Governor Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will join Massachusetts 9/11 families for the annual State House commemoration and reading of the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts. “Twenty-five years ago, our country changed forever,” said Governor Healey. “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, and honor the first responders and everyday people who showed extraordinary courage in our darkest hours. “We also remember how people came together in the face of tragedy — to help their neighbors, support grieving families and serve their communities. Twenty-five years later, we continue to have a responsibility to carry that spirit forward and make sure the next generation knows their stories and understands what this day means.” “This 25th anniversary is a moment to remember the lives we lost and reflect on the kind of courage and leadership September 11 demanded from so many people,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “First responders ran toward danger, neighbors stepped up for one another and communities came together in extraordinary ways. We honor that legacy by standing with the families who carry these memories and continuing to lead with service, compassion and a commitment to one another.” This year’s commemoration — held in partnership with the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund under the theme “Massachusetts Remembers: United We Stand” — will begin at 8:35 a.m. on the front steps of the State House. Governor Healey and First Lady Lydgate will present the American flag to the Color Guard before it is raised and lowered to half-staff. At 8:46 a.m., those gathered will observe a moment of silence. Family members will then join Governor Healey, First Lady Lydgate, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Major General (Ret.) Jonathan Treacy in reading the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts. The commemoration will continue in the House Chamber with the presentation of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery, which recognizes Massachusetts residents who demonstrate extraordinary courage to save the life of another. The award honors the legacy of Massachusetts native and American Airlines flight attendant Madeline “Amy” Sweeney, whose bravery on September 11 helped provide authorities with critical information about the hijacking of Flight 11. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have continued this annual tradition of recognizing ordinary people who take extraordinary action to help others. In 2024, they presented the award to a Hampden County resident who rescued an elderly couple from a burning home. In 2025, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll presented the award to two Everett public works employees who rushed into a burning apartment building and helped evacuate 14 people before firefighters arrived. Major General (Ret.) Jona9/11 | SEE PAGE 7 J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping Award Winning Author Dawn Reno Langley Launches Two New Books That Confront Courage and Reinvention L ONDON, ENGLAND — September 2026 - Internationally published author Dawn Reno Langley, a native of Everett, Massachusetts, graduating from EHS in 1971 and from Bunker Hill Community College in 1976, has released two major works this summer: The Sunflower: Book Two of The Art of Rivers, a sweeping historical novel set in 1960s Mississippi, and Love, Leashes & Letting Go, a deeply personal memoir of resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected ways animals help us heal. Together, these books showcase Langley’s signature blend of emotional depth, cinematic storytelling, and unflinching honesty. A Novel of Resistance, Art, and Hope: The Sunflower: Book Two of The Art of Rivers Set against the violent backdrop of the American South during the Civil Rights era, The Sunflower is part two of a trilogy that follows an interracial couple whose marriage becomes a flashpoint for racial terror and community led resistance. The novel illuminates women driven defense networks, the power of art as activism, and the courage required to stand against systemic oppression. Early readers have praised the book as “heartbreaking but beautiful,” “powerful and thought-provoking,” with “complex characters,” destined to become “an unforgettable historical masterpiece,” positioning it as one of Langley’s most ambitious works to date. A Memoir of Reinvention — Love, Leashes & Letting Go In Love, Leashes & Letting Go, Langley turns inward, chronicling a journey through loss, self-discovery, and the profound companionship of animals. From the dog who sensed danger before she did, to the moments of quiet clarity found in caregiving, travel, and rebuilding a life, the memoir offers a raw, hopeful portrait of choosing oneself after upheaval. The book resonates with readers seeking authenticity, emotional truth, and stories that honor the messy, beautiful process of starting over. Reviewer Char Jones calls the book Langley’s “magnum opus.” A Unified Creative Vision Though distinct in genre, both books explore social justice themes central to Langley’s body of work and open conversations about courage, the cost of silence, and the transformative power of art. Together, they mark a milestone year for an author known for crossing boundaries between fiction, memoir, and social commentary. About the Author Dawn Reno Langley is an award winning author of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and children’s literature. Her work has appeared internationally and spans themes of social justice, personal reinvention, and the quiet heroism found in everyday lives. With an MFA in Fiction and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, she credits the fellowships she received from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Weymouth Center for Art and Humanities for support to finish her recent books. She is currently a nomad, traveling the world while caring for other people’s animals.
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