Newton marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with memorial ceremony, calls for unity and service

Newton City held a 25th‑anniversary commemoration at the Newton 9/11 Memorial on September 11, 2026, bringing together families of victims, first responders, elected officials and community members for readings, speeches and ceremonial honors. Mayor Mark Laredo and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Katusian were among the principal speakers, and the memorial committee presented college scholarships to student essay winners.

Mayor Laredo thanked the memorial committee and first responders and urged passing the memory and lessons of 9/11 to younger generations. “We cannot change the events of September 11, but we can decide what we carry forward from that day,” he said. Sheriff Katusian highlighted responders’ continuing health struggles: “Many of those who spent time at Ground 0 have continued to suffer debilitating, even fatal health effects to this day as a result of their efforts there.” The event included an invocation by American Legion chaplain Al Cecinelli, a benediction by Newton’s fire chaplain Reverend Mark Caggiano, and a reading of eight Newton residents’ names engraved on the memorial.