By: Vandana Jhingan

FIA–New England held a remembrance ceremony in Westborough on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, bringing together members of the Indian American community, local residents and Westborough firefighters.

The ceremony at 42 Milk Street honored the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks and the first responders who lost their lives while responding to the attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Captain Craig Rossi and Lieutenant Gregory Doucet of the Westborough Fire Department attended the event with members of the department, highlighting the role of first responders in the community.

The program began with a moment of silence and a peace prayer led by Dev Lingadevaru. Sanjay Gokhale of FIA–New England led the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

FIA Executive Director Jyoti Singh and State Representative Manoj Chourasia addressed the gathering, speaking about the significance of the 25th anniversary, the sacrifices of first responders and the importance of remembering the attacks for future generations.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held in honor of those who died on September 11 and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. Community members Sita Singh, Virginia Kota and Sulabha Gokhale placed the wreath.

The ceremony also recognized the families affected by the attacks and their lasting loss.

FIA–New England said the annual observance is part of its community activities recognizing first responders, veterans, law enforcement officers and other public servants.

The event concluded with participants gathering around the memorial for a final moment of reflection.