Let’s Roll, New Bedford [PHIL-OSOPHY]

This is a mix of good and bad news. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing public health crises with coronavirus, the public gathering at the Acushnet 9/11 Memorial on Friday evening, September 11, has been canceled. The public is invited, however, to visit the 9/11 memorial anytime.

On a personal note, I am so pleased that the New Bedford Fire Department has decided to go ahead and publicly commemorate the cataclysmic events of 9/11 with their annual tribute that I'll detail in a moment.

We'll never forget the series of four coordinated fatal attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against our nation, killing nearly 3,000 innocent people on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Two of the planes from Boston were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside of Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after the brave passengers decided to charge the cockpit, after someone reportedly yelled out, "Let's roll."

In recognition of the fire, law enforcement, EMTs and all the first-responders, New Bedford Fire apparatus and available personnel will gather in front of their respective stations at 10 a.m. throughout the city and maintain silence. Precisely at 10:05 a.m., the NBFD's signal room will announce over their radio channel the collapse of the South Tower, followed by a prayer by the chaplain.

I'm so proud of the New Bedford Fire Department for inspiring us with this decision to hold the observance.

Everyone is invited to attend this remembrance at any of the fire stations. Please wear a face mask and observe social distancing rules.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.