Press Release  Governor Healey to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced plans to lead Massachusetts in marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, calling on people across the state to come together in remembrance of the 2,977 people senselessly killed, in support of the families who continue to carry their memories and in recognition of the first responders and everyday people who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the wake of the attacks.

Governor Healey is directing flags across Massachusetts to be lowered to half-staff and calling on residents, schools, businesses and organizations to observe a statewide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. on Friday, September 11, marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The State House will also be illuminated red, white and blue on the evenings of September 10 and September 11.

On September 11, Governor Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will join Massachusetts 9/11 families for the annual State House commemoration and reading of the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts.

“Twenty-five years ago, our country changed forever,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We remember the lives that were taken, especially the more than 200 from Massachusetts, and we stand with the families who have carried their memories forward, and honor the first responders and everyday people who showed extraordinary courage in our darkest hours. We also remember how people came together in the face of tragedy — to help their neighbors, support grieving families and serve their communities. Twenty-five years later, we continue to have a responsibility to carry that spirit forward and make sure the next generation knows their stories and understands what this day means.”

“This 25th anniversary is a moment to remember the lives we lost and reflect on the kind of courage and leadership September 11 demanded from so many people,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “First responders ran toward danger, neighbors stepped up for one another and communities came together in extraordinary ways. We honor that legacy by standing with the families who carry these memories and continuing to lead with service, compassion and a commitment to one another.”

This year’s commemoration, held in partnership with the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund under the theme “Massachusetts Remembers: United We Stand,” will begin at 8:35 a.m. on the front steps of the State House. Governor Healey and First Lady Lydgate will present the American flag to the Color Guard before it is raised and lowered to half-staff. At 8:46 a.m., those gathered will observe a moment of silence.

Family members will then join Governor Healey, First Lady Lydgate, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Major General (Ret.) Jonathan Treacy in reading the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts.

The commemoration will continue in the House Chamber with the presentation of the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery, which recognizes Massachusetts residents who demonstrate extraordinary courage to save the life of another. The award honors the legacy of Massachusetts native and American Airlines flight attendant Madeline “Amy” Sweeney, whose bravery on September 11 helped provide authorities with critical information about the hijacking of Flight 11.

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have continued this annual tradition of recognizing ordinary people who take extraordinary action to help others. In 2024, they presented the award to a Hampden County resident who rescued an elderly couple from a burning home. In 2025, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll presented the award to two Everett public works employees who rushed into a burning apartment building and helped evacuate 14 people before firefighters arrived.

Major General (Ret.) Jonathan Treacy will also deliver remarks. On September 11, 2001, Treacy was a lieutenant colonel commanding the 101st Fighter Squadron at Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod, which provided the initial air defense response over New York City. 

As part of the 25th anniversary commemoration, Massachusetts students will also meet with 9/11 family members at the State House to hear directly about the people they lost, their memories of September 11 and the lessons they hope future generations will carry forward. The conversation will help ensure that, as more young people learn about September 11 as history rather than lived experience, the stories of those who were lost continue to be told.

Commemorations will continue throughout the day, including the annual wreath laying at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial and the 25th anniversary of the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at Ashburton Park.

Governor Healey has made supporting first responders and the families who depend on them a priority of her administration, from investing in the equipment, staffing and mental health resources they need to strengthening protections for those injured in the line of duty. As Massachusetts marks 25 years since September 11, the Governor is continuing that commitment by honoring those who answered the call to serve, standing with the families who carry the loss of that day and ensuring their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.

About the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund

The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with Massachusetts ties who lost loved ones in the September 11 attacks and ensuring that those who were lost are never forgotten. The organization works with families and state and local partners to coordinate Massachusetts’ annual September 11 commemoration, maintain the 9/11 memorial and contemplative garden in the Boston Public Garden, support community service and educate future generations about the victims and lasting impact of the attacks.

About the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery

The Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was established in memory of Madeline Amy Sweeney, a flight attendant aboard American Airlines Flight 11 who relayed critical information about the hijacking to authorities before the plane struck the World Trade Center. The award recognizes Massachusetts residents who demonstrate exceptional courage and bravery in the face of danger.

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