THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 18, 2026 Page 7 Twenty-five years later, Saugus honors those lost on 9/11 A By Tara Vocino ceremony outside Town Hall last Friday night commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and Saugus Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Keith McDonald rang the bell in memory of Saugus High School 1982 alum Gertrude “Trudi” Alagero, 37, and former Saugus resident David DiMeglio, 22, who died in the attacks. “For a time, we were Americans first,” McDonald said. “We’re so divided today, but we’re strongest when standing together.” McDonald said the event changed the military and local community. “For those families, September 11 didn’t end when the towers fell,” event co-organizer/Select Board Chair Debra Panetta said. “The loss continued for years, and for many, it continues today.” First Congregational Church Pastor Rev. Joseph Hoyle said the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. New Hope Assembly Pastor Wayne Shirk said that although there is much sorrow for the trauma that was endured, ordinary citizens helped strangers. State Representative Donald Wong recalled the unity and patriotism following the tragic day and the solemn days ahead. Former Select Board member Corinne Riley co-organized the event. The Fire Department also Saugus Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Keith McDonald, who rang the bell, said that for a time people were Americans first. Saugus Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Keith McDonald rang a bell in memory of the fallen. New Hope Assembly of God Pastor Wayne Shirk said he was driving down Central Street at the time. First Congregational Church Pastor Reverend Joseph Hoyle remembered that he was in English class in his sophomore year at the time. State Representative Donald Wong said everyone was so polite and patriotic the week after. Event co-organizer Debra Panetta honored those who ran toward danger to save others. held an early morning ceremony at the station. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Next to Town Hall lies a tribute to Saugus High School 1982 alum Gertrude “Trudi” Alagero, 37, and former Saugus resident David DiMeglio, 22, who both died in the 9/11 attacks. Reverend Dr. Robert Leroe read a poem about the rubble. The atmosphere was solemn. Shown from left to right: Saugus VFW Commander Keith McDonald, Reverend Dr. Robert Leroe, Pastor Joseph Hoyle, Pastor Wayne Shirk, event co-organizer Corinne Riley, event co-organizer/Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, Board of Selectmen member Frank Federico, Town Manager Scott Crabtree and Board of Selectmen member Michael Serino.
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