East Longmeadow holds 25th annual Sept. 11 candlelight vigil

East Longmeadow’s 25th annual September 11th candlelight vigil drew local officials, first responders and residents to a town remembrance on the evening of September 11.

Fire Chief Christopher Beecher opened the ceremony and asked attendees to light candles. "I'd ask anyone who brought candles to light them at this time," he said, and thanked the town council, Town Manager Tom Christiansen, Police Chief Mark Williams and the state legislative delegation for attending.

A speaker identified as Tim led an invocation that invoked scripture and remembrance, saying, "Death does not have the final victory," and closed the prayer with an "Amen." State Senator Jake Olivera and State Representative Brian Ashe offered brief remarks recalling the lives lost and urging the community to pass the memory to younger generations. Town Council President Ralph Page highlighted the story of Betty Ann Ong, a flight attendant on Flight 11, as an example of individual courage amid the tragedy.

The vigil concluded with the sounding of the traditional last alarm and a musical tribute: Firefighter Ed McCandlish was announced to sound the bell and an East Longmeadow High School student performed "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. Chief Beecher closed by thanking attendees and public safety personnel for their service.