Boston, September 12, 2025
News Summary
On September 11, Massachusetts honored the almost 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks with solemn ceremonies throughout the state. Events included reading the names of 206 victims connected to Massachusetts at the State House, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the presentation of the Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. In addition, the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund launched a new education initiative aimed at teaching high school students about the attacks and their impact, ensuring that the memories and lessons from that day endure for future generations.
Boston
Massachusetts marks 24th anniversary of 9/11 with ceremonies and new education focus
Massachusetts paused on September 11, 2025, to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks, with solemn ceremonies at the State House in Boston and events across the state. The names of 206 victims with ties to Massachusetts were read at the State House during a morning ceremony that included a moment of silence at 8:30 a.m. The state-level commemoration emphasized remembrance and introduced a new education program for high school students and teachers who were not alive at the time of the attacks.
Ceremonies and honors
The day began with a ceremony led by Governor Maura Healey at the State House, featuring readings by family members of victims and a presentation of the American flag. A wreath-laying ceremony took place in the afternoon at the 9/11 memorial in the Boston Public Garden. A nighttime procession from Boston Common to the State House was scheduled to honor Massachusetts’ fallen firefighters, and the annual Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was set for 5 p.m. in Ashburton Park, with a procession beginning at 4:45 p.m.
At the State House, the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was presented to two Everett Department of Public Works employees, Jesse Winocour and Jason Papa, in recognition of their rescue of a child from a fire. The award commemorates Madeline “Amy” Sweeney, a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11 who made a crucial call from the hijacked airplane shortly before it crashed. Also noted during the day was that both hijacked planes that struck the World Trade Center took off from Boston’s Logan International Airport.
Education and outreach
The theme of this year’s commemoration was “Living Legacies: The Education of 9/11.” The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund unveiled a new program aimed at teaching high school students and training teachers about the attacks’ impact and the state’s connections to them. Roundtable discussions brought students from Boston, Milton, Needham, and Rockland together with relatives of 9/11 victims to share recollections and context. The effort responds in part to concerns that only 14 states mandate instruction about September 11, and that Massachusetts is not currently among them.
Community service and volunteer efforts
Community service activities accompanied memorial events throughout the day. More than 200 people donated blood at Fenway Park during the annual 9/11 Day of Service Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. Over 1,100 volunteers packed nutritious meals for the Greater Boston Food Bank at the Track at New Balance. Hundreds more assembled military care packages for local veterans and deployed troops on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, part of a partnership between Home Base and Project 351.
National observances and additional notes
Nationally, leaders observed the anniversary with ceremonies and remarks. President Donald Trump delivered remarks from the Pentagon on the morning of September 11 and was scheduled to visit New York City later in the day. Massachusetts events focused on remembrance, public service, and education, seeking to link commemoration with action and lessons for new generations.
Background
The September 11, 2001, attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and struck the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. The presence of victims with Massachusetts connections remains a central theme in state observances, highlighted by the reading of 206 names at the State House. The Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award continues to honor civilian bravery and to remember Sweeney’s actions on American Airlines Flight 11.
What to know going forward
The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund’s education initiative is intended to support schools and educators in presenting the history and consequences of 9/11 to students who did not experience the events directly. State commemorations combined ceremonial observance with volunteer service, reinforcing community resilience and the ongoing effort to keep the memory of those lost and the lessons of that day alive for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events were held in Boston on September 11, 2025?
Morning ceremonies at the State House included the reading of 206 victims’ names and a moment of silence at 8:30 a.m. Additional observances included a wreath-laying at the Boston Public Garden, volunteer service activities across the city, and an evening procession and fallen firefighters memorial.
How many victims with Massachusetts ties were remembered?
The names of 206 victims with ties to Massachusetts were read during the State House ceremony.
What new education efforts were announced?
The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund introduced a program focused on educating high school students and teachers about the attacks and the state’s connections to them, under the theme “Living Legacies: The Education of 9/11.”
Were there volunteer opportunities connected to the day?
Yes. More than 1,100 volunteers packed meals for the Greater Boston Food Bank, over 200 donated blood at Fenway Park, and hundreds helped assemble care packages for veterans and deployed troops.
Who received the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award this year?
The award for civilian bravery was presented to two Everett Department of Public Works employees, Jesse Winocour and Jason Papa, for rescuing a child from a fire.
Quick reference: event times and locations
| Event | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State House ceremony and name reading | 8:30 a.m. (moment of silence) | Front steps, Massachusetts State House | Reading of 206 Massachusetts-connected victims |
| Wreath-laying | Afternoon | 9/11 Memorial, Boston Public Garden | Commemorative observance |
| Fallen Firefighters procession | 4:45 p.m. (procession), 5:00 p.m. (ceremony) | Boston Common to State House; Ashburton Park | Annual memorial ceremony for fallen firefighters |
| Blood Drive | All day | Fenway Park | Over 200 blood donors participated |
| Meal packing | Daytime | Track at New Balance | More than 1,100 volunteers packed meals |
| Care package assembly | Daytime | Rose Kennedy Greenway | Hundreds of volunteers assembled packages for veterans and troops |
| Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award presentation | State House ceremony | Massachusetts State House | Award presented to two Everett DPW employees for civilian bravery |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCVB: September 11 Commemoration Events in Massachusetts
- Google Search: September 11 attacks
- Boston Herald: Massachusetts 9/11 Fund Focus on Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: September 11 attacks
- Patriot Ledger: Boston Remembers September 11, 2001
- Google News: Boston 9/11 Ceremonies
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