City of Cambridge to Honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Community Ceremonies of Remembrance

The City of Cambridge will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a series of solemn, respectful ceremonies across the community on Friday, September 11. These events will honor the thousands of lives lost, the first responders who died in the line of duty, those who have passed away in the years since due to illnesses connected to their service at Ground Zero, and the members of the armed forces who have given selflessly in defense of freedom.

The City invites all residents and community members to come together in reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility

Cambridge Emergency Communications, Fire, and Police Departments will join together for a special joint ceremony outside the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility at 125 Sixth Street in East Cambridge on Friday, September 11.

The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will feature

• Presentation of colors
• National anthem
• Invocation
• Remarks from City Manager Yi An Huang and Assistant Fire Chief John Cotter
• Ceremonial bell ringing
• Bagpipe musical tribute
• Wreath laying
• Moments of silence

Food and beverages will be provided at the conclusion of the one-hour ceremony. All community members are welcome.

Community Fire House Ceremonies

On Friday, September 11 at 9:50 a.m., every Cambridge firehouse will hold a brief 10-minute, synchronized ceremony open to the public. The ceremony will include:

• 9:50 a.m. – Overhead doors will open and on duty personnel and guests will gather at apparatus bay doors.
• 9:55 a.m. – The Emergency Communications Department will transmit Special Signal 5 5 5 5, followed by a brief narrative and a one minute moment of silence.

The senior Fire Officer or Firefighter present will close the ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

City Hall Lighting Tribute

At dusk on Friday evening, Cambridge City Hall will illuminate its façade in sky blue as part of the national Tribute in Light remembrance, joining municipalities, landmarks, and organizations across Massachusetts and the country. Over the past two years, more than two dozen local landmarks -- including Fenway Park, the Prudential Tower, and the Zakim Bridge -- have participated in this collective expression of solidarity.

An Invitation to the Community

All residents are encouraged to participate in any of the City’s observances. For those unable to join in person, residents are invited to take a quiet moment on Friday to reflect on the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001 and the years that followed.