Compiled by: Allison Hastings

As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley are preparing to recognize the significance of this day. We’ve compiled a list of upcoming events below that honor our fallen heroes and remember the lives — both local and national — that were lost.

Know of an event that didn’t make our list? Shoot us an email: editor@mvmag.net.

Amesbury 9/11 Memorial Service

Community members and residents of Amesbury will be remembering and honoring the lives of those lost on 9/11 at the town’s fire station, located at 17 School Street, at 11 a.m. on Sept. 11. All are welcome to attend.

Burlington 9/11 Ceremony 

The Burlington police and fire departments are inviting all community members to attend their 9/11 ceremony, which will begin at 9 a.m. on the town common. A new memorial in the shape of a pentagon will be unveiled during the ceremony, and wreaths will be placed on the common to honor the lives of the first responders and four Burlington residents who died as a result of 9/11-causes. Local officials will speak and the Burlington High School chorus and marching band will perform, with “Tolling of the Bells” closing out the service. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed. For more information, please contact Bob Hogan at (781) 771-1570 or visit this website.

Dracut’s Annual Old Home Day & Firefighters Activity Day

Dracut’s 20th Annual Old Home Day — the community’s largest event — is returning this year on Saturday Sept. 1. Head over to Englesby Elementary School on Sept. 11 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to check out the vendors and family-friendly crafts and activities available to participants. For those who have questions or would like more information please email: Dan Croce, chairman — chairman@dracutoldhomeday.com or Dave Paquin, vice chairman — paquindd@aol.com.

Haverhill’s 20th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service

Haverhill’s Firefighting Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of firefighting memorabilia in New England, is hosting a 20th Anniversary 9/11 memorial service at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. The opening ceremonies will include a march of the Haverhill fire and police departments and Trinity EMS honor guards, a sounding of the last alarms at 9:59 a.m. and 10:28 a.m., and a reading of the names of the 411 first responders lost that day. For those who want to learn more about the history of 9/11, Patricia Graham’s exhibit, “Through the Eyes of a First Responder,” is currently on display at the museum. For more information, click here.

 

Methuen’s Remembrance Ceremonies

At 11 a.m. on Sept. 11, the Methuen fire department will conduct a firefighter’s memorial ceremony at the central fire station located at 24 Lowell Street. This will include recognition of MFD scholarship recipients, the Pat McKallagat firefighter of the year award, MFD donation acknowledgements, and the pinning ceremony for all new firefighters and officers promoted in the past year and a half. At noon, Mayor Neil Perry and the city of Methuen will conduct a 9/11 20th Anniversary Memorial Service at Patriots Bridge on Lowell Street. For the most up-to-date information, visit CityOfMethuen.net or follow the city’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Methuen’s Salute to Service Event

Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 11, the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home will be holding a public Salute to Service event to honor veterans and first responders. State Sen.Diana DiZoglio and Veterans Services Director Paul Jensen will provide opening remarks, and members of the VFW and American Legion will be in attendance. Guests can also help themselves to light refreshments and activities like cornhole and face painting. Find more details here.

Methuen Memorial Music Hall’s 9/11 Concert 

The Methuen Memorial Music Hall will perform a touching musical tribute to American veterans and first responders on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This 9/11 memorial concert will feature Neil Ferreira (tenor), Richard Watson (trumpet), and Frederick MacArthur (piano and organ) and can be live streamed by visiting the MMMH’s YouTube page here.

Newburyport’s 12th Annual Field of Honor & Dedication Ceremony 

Newburyport’s 12th Annual Field of Honor, which displays more than 300 United States flags, will be available to visit during the week of Sept 8 – 13, and a dedication ceremony will be taking place at the Bartlet Mall on Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will consist of a reading of the “Verbal Wall” of dedicated flags, words from local dignitaries, and musical presentations. All are welcome to attend this event. In the case of inclement weather, the service will take place on Sunday, Sept. 12, at noon. See this website for more details.

North Andover’s Remembrance Ceremony

In conjunction with North Andover’s town offices, the North Andover police and fire departments are hosting a remembrance ceremony at Patriots Memorial Park on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. Details and updates may be posted here. 

Westford’s Remembrance Service 

On Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9:55 a.m., the town of Westford will host a remembrance event commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and will honor the 2,977 individuals that lost their lives in the attacks. The ceremony will take place by the 9/11 memorial in the Public Safety Courtyard on the right side of the town hall. Social distancing and face coverings are recommended for this event. Please contact Ryan Cobleigh, veterans service officer, at rcobleigh@westfordma.gov or by phone at (978) 392-1170 for additional information, or click here. 

Westford Historical Society’s Candlelight Vigil

The Westford Historical Society, in partnership with Westford Remembers, is hosting a candlelight remembrance vigil at the town common on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Social distancing and face masks will be required for all those in attendance. Click here to read more.