Battleship Cove ceremony remembers those that gave their all on 9/11

The city held its 9/11 ceremony Tuesday morning at Battleship Cove, 17 years after the first of two jets flew into the twin towers in New York, New York.

FALL RIVER — One of the things he admires most about doves is their willingness to risk themselves for the sake of others, William Desmarais said.

He watches his pigeons and doves when threatened by hawks. They cluster and circle, slowing their speed to make sure the weakest among them can fly in the safety of the group.

So it is fitting to release them on September 11, at a ceremony to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 — the police, firefighters and rescue personnel who risked themselves for the sake of others.

The city held its 9/11 ceremony Tuesday morning at Battleship Cove, 17 years after the first of two jets flew into the twin towers in New York, New York. A third plane would crash in Pennsylvania after passengers banded together, to stop the Al-Qaeda members who wanted to crash it into the Pentagon. A fourth jet crashed into the Pentagon.

One indelible image from the day is of police and firefighters running into the burning towers to get people out. Before the day was over, 343 firefighters, 72 police officers and eight rescue service personnel were dead. More have died since of respiratory illness, cancer and suicide.

The ceremony nationally now honors the sacrifices made by first responders.

“We saw our first responders step in and risk everything for us,” said Cristoff Shay, executive vice president of the Battleship Cove Museum. “We stand with them. Together as one. Together as Americans.”

In the first minutes of the attack, the first responders showed the country the way to go forward, said Carl Sawejko, president of Battleship Cove.

“They are the people who made a difference on what should have been the most horrific day in the history of America,” he said.

Fire Chief John Lynch agreed. Firefighters and police did not hesitate to enter the burning buildings, knowing full well how dangerous it was.

“Despite the odds against them, they entered the buildings, saving countless lives,” he said.

“We must, forever, remember this as a day of triumph, the triumph of Americans willing to sacrifice for others.”

The doves were released at the end of the ceremony, just after trumpeters played Taps.

Volunteers stood at the front of the audience of more than 100 to hold the doves before releasing them.

The doves circled once over Heritage Park, forming a tight cluster, before heading east, over the hill, toward home.

Desmarais said he brought 20 doves that were raised and trained by his wife, Paula Desmarais. He brought 20 because that is the sum of nine and 11. He brought white to symbolize peace.

And the doves carry a message just by being themselves, he said.

“They’ll find their way home,” he said. “They’ll stick together and they will be safe.”

Email Kevin P. O’Connor at koconnor@heraldnews.com.