Committee Preparing To Mark 10-Year Anniversary of Sept. 11 Attacks

Numerous Lynnfield residents are working on plans to mark the 10-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks in a way that will rival the efforts of much larger towns.

Appearing Monday night before the selectmen, Fire Chief Tom Bogart and the Rev. Dr. Dennis Bailey of the Centre Congregational Church (who also serves as fire department chaplain) gave a rundown on plans for the town memorial.

In recent years, town safety personnel have already been marking the anniversary of the attacks with a half-hour morning remembrance ceremony. However, in light of the 10-year anniversary taking place this year, the two indicated that "something more significant" was desired.

On September 4, organizers are expecting to lay out a field of flags to represent each of the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks, as well as their country of origin. This display will be located across from Lynnfield Common in front of the historical society house and is expected to stay there for about two weeks, until September 18.

"It's a very visual way of helping us remember," said Bogart.

On the morning of September 11, town first responders will hold their usual 30 minute service in front of the fire station downtown, and the flag may be kept at half mast throughout the day.

For those who are interested in getting involved, one opportunity may be to volunteer to read some of the 9/11 victims' names on the Common, which is expected to start around 2 p.m. that day. Organizers are hoping to have all of the victims' names read aloud that day, which will probably take about four hours in total.

"We feel it's important to remember every single person," the chief told the selectmen.

From there, a 6 p.m. evening service would be held on the common, although if it rains, it could be moved into the Congregational Church just across the street.

The keynote speaker at the service is expected to be Katherine Bailey, widow of Garnet "Ace" Bailey. Bailey is the former Boston Bruin and Lynnfield resident who was killed that day. Bailey's niece is also apparently coming to town to sing at the service with .

Reverend Bailey and Chief Bogart also indicated that LHS Musical Director Douglas Hodgkins is trying to put together a community choir to perform the National Anthem, and that efforts are also underway to assemble a group of bagpipers to march to the common from the firehouse.

"This is a wonderful tribute you've put together," said Selectman Al Merritt. "Everybody was touched by (9-11) in different ways."

Selectman Bob MacKendrick added that "the 10th anniversary of this horrendous occasion calls for a celebration of the life of those who lost their lives that day."

For his part, Select Board Chair Arthur Bourque praised the plan as "a remarkable effort to be made in this small a town." The selectmen went on to approve the use of the Old Meeting House and the Town Common for the event, as well as the land in front of the Historical House for the Field of Flags. Two banners may end up hanging in the downtown area in early September because the annual Rotary barbecue is just several days after this event.

Selectmen also proclaimed September 4-11 to be 9/11 Remembrance Week in the town of Lynnfield.

Individuals who would like to make a donation to the event can make checks out to Lynnfield 911 and mail them to the Centre Congregational Church, C/O Rev. Dennis Bailey, 5 Summer St., Lynnfield, MA 01940. An account has been set up at The Savings Bank for the donations.

A website is also in the works for the event and its URL will be announced when it is ready.