By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
In a solemn ceremony held inside the State House, lawmakers and first responders gathered to pay their respects to the Rhode Islanders who lost their lives fourteen years ago on September 11 during the attacks on the World Trade Center.
A bell was rung four times in memory of the victims on the four jet airliners which were hijacked on that infamous day. The names of the seven Rhode Islanders who died were read aloud, along with the local servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the war on terror.
Patrick Nassaney who lost his son Shawn on United Airlines Flight 175 says that while the pain of that day has not changed, September 11 has transformed from a day of sadness to that of fond remembrance.
“I look forward to September 11th now because it’s a time to commemorate Shawn; I have people reaching out from all over the country who knew Shawn and we exchange words and jokes,” said Nassaney.
Flowers were handed to the family members of each of the victims as local leaders pledged to help make the world a more peaceful place in their memory.
Meanwhile in Newport, the Naval War College held a brief ceremony to honor its graduates who died in the 9/11 attacks. 11 names were read aloud and inscribed into a plaque which is attached to a broken fragment of limestone from the west front of the Pentagon.
“Today we come together to commemorate all of those who perished 14 years ago; but especially the eleven brave souls of the Naval War College family who their all to preserve the freedoms we cherish,” said War College President Admiral Gardner Howe.
