THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 Page 19 Everett observes 20th anniversary of 9/11 A By Christopher Roberson s Everett firefighters raised the American Flag high above Everett Square, city and state officials gathered to mark the two decades that have passed since the United States was brutally attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Two hundred six American Flags were planted in Everett Square to honor the memory of each Massachusetts resident who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson) Bishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries (Photos Courtesy of the City of Everett) Mayor Carlo DeMaria Shown from left to right are State Representative Joseph McGonagle, First Lady Stacy DeMaria and Mayor Carlo DeMaria with members of the Trentini Family. Everett firefighters raised the American Flag over Everett Square last Saturday, marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11. State Representative Joseph McGonagle “It’s hard to believe that today marks 20 years since this tragedy occurred,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria during last Saturday’s 9/11 ceremony. “My heart continues to break for the victims.” He also spoke about former Everett residents James Trentini, 65, and his wife, Mary Trentini, 67. The Trentinis had planned to fly to Los Angeles on September 10 to babysit their three grandchildren. However, James was called for Jury Duty so the couple booked two seats for the next morning on American Airlines Flight 11. “They had no idea this flight would be their last,” said DeMaria. At 8:46 a.m., 47 minutes after taking off from Logan International Airport, Flight 11 slammed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 465 miles per hour. Last Saturday, silence fell over Everett Square at 8:46 a.m., acknowledging the time when America came under attack. The Trentinis were among 206 Massachusetts residents who perished on that Tuesday morning. United Airlines Flight 175 also departed from Logan and was bound for Los Angeles. The plane was traveling at approximately 500 miles per hour when it struck the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. Thirty-four minutes later, American Airlines Flight 77, which had left Washington Dulles International Airport en route to Los Angeles, struck the western side of the Pentagon at 530 miles per hour. The final plane to be hijacked was United Airlines Flight 93 travelling from Newark International Airport to San Francisco. According to the report from the 9/11 Commission, because the flight took off 40 minutes late, the passengers became aware of the other hijackings and decided to fight back. As a result, Flight 93 never reached its target, which was later determined to either be the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House. “The brave and heroic passengers prevented that from happening,” said DeMaria. Traveling at 563 miles per hour, the Boeing 757 was flown into a field in ShanksShown from left to right are State Representative Joseph McGonagle, First Lady Stacy DeMaria and Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Veterans Commissioner Jeanne Cristiano City Council President Wayne Matewsky ville, Pennsylvania. All told, 2,996 lives were lost on 9/11. The Twin Towers and 7 World Trade Center were reduced to rubble, and three of the Pentagon’s five rings were severely damaged. “We will never forget all those who lost their lives,” said DeMaria. Veterans Commissioner Jeanne Cristiano said the attacks compelled tens of thousands of Americans, seeking vengeance, to enlist in the military. According to the United Service Organization, 181,510 men and women joined the armed forces to serve on active duty in the year following 9/11. Another 72,908 recruits joined the reserves. Cristiano, a U.S. Army veteran herself, said both of her sons were sent to the Middle East and came home as changed men. “When my two boys came home from Afghanistan, there was a little twinkle lost in their eye,” she said. “It’s not easy; I don’t pretend that it is.” Bishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries, recalled his service in the U.S. Air Force. “I remember a little skirmish called Vietnam,” he said. Brown also spoke about his son’s time in the U.S. Navy. “I remember a place called Kuwait where my son served,” he said. State Representative Joseph McGonagle said it is still diffi9/11 | SEE PAGE 20
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