On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, terrorists linked to al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger planes. Two were flown into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed in a field in Shakesville, Pennsylvania, after passengers tried to overpower the hijackers. Its target may have been the Capital or the White House. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2997 people and injuries to more than 6000. The country suffered a great tragedy, and was changed forever.
In addition to the Candlelight Remembrance, members of the Historical Society is featuring a new exhibit “Remembering 9-11” at the Westford Museum, Sundays through September 26th 2-4 p.m. The exhibit tells the story of September 11th through artifacts, personal stories and pictorial history of how Westford has recognized that fateful day.
Leslie Howard, President of the Westford Historical Society and Museum is honored to commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11th and extend an opportunity for residents to reflect on the events of the day that changed our lives forever. She further hopes that the community will share their own memories with the Historical Society for future generations.
Those of us who lived through it, will never forget where we were or how we felt on that fateful day. Today, September 11th is remembered as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Joyce Pellino Crane, News Director September 16, 2021
Candlelight Remembrance
September 11th, 20th Anniversary Program
Introduction
Linda Greene, Director, Westford Museum
Good evening and welcome to the 9/11 Candlelight Remembrance, My name is Linda Greene, I am the Director of the Westford Museum. I’d like to take this opportunity thank the girls scout of Westford Troop 70522 for decorating the trees with the paper cranes and patriotic windsocks and I’d also like to thank Westford Historical Society and Westford Remembers for hosting the event and the Westford Rotary Club for sponsoring it.
The attacks of September 11, 2001 changed our world forever, and they brought loss and grief on a scale we had never known. Even those who were children can instantly recall when they heard the news of the attacks on New York and the Pentagon and how they felt. Nearly everyone remembers the shock and fear, the sense of national peril and national unity.
Twenty years after the attacks, with terrorism still a threat today, the events of 9/11 and its aftermath remind us that we may never be able to prevent all the actions of people intent on harming others, but we do have control over how we respond to such events. Whether by volunteering in our local communities, serving our nation in the military, caring for the sick, or through other efforts, all of us can help build the world in which we want to live. As we witness history unfolding in our own time, the ways we choose to respond—both large and small—can demonstrate the best of human nature.
September 11th has come to mean so many things, from horror, loss and evil to newfound hope and today we recognize it as a day of National Service and Remembrance.
Opening Prayer, Recollections/ Remarks
Rev. Suzanna Wade, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Speaker
Scott Hazelton, Westford Select Board
Twenty years ago this evening, most of us were glued to TV sets, watching in horror as passenger airliners were flown into buildings. Clips of the World Trade Center imploding were shown again and again. We watched as hospitals waited for mass casualty patients that never came. We understood at some level that large numbers of people were in those aircraft and buildings with no chance to escape. The mayor of New York City was asked that question – how many people were lost in the towers? His answer is haunting even today. “More than we are prepared to bear.”
Our nation lost 2,974 souls that day; 343 of them firefighters and 60 of them police officers. Two of those lost were our Westford neighbors, Susan MacKay, who was on American Airlines Flight 11 and James Hayden, who was on board United Airlines Flight 175.
In the days that followed, first responders dug through rubble, often with their bare hands, to find the remains of their brothers and sisters and to bring closure to the families of those who lost loved ones. They did not know it, but they were inhaling toxins that have now cost the lives of hundreds more individuals.
America was brought into war again, and a new generation of heroes stepped up to defend our country, its people, and its values. Nearly 2,500 of them have given their lives in Afghanistan, including 13 just within the past month. One of those lives lost was that of Sgt. William Woitowicz, a young Marine with many ties to Westford, and especially our fire department.
Today, we have heard from many speakers around the country about the significance of 9/11 2001, those who lost their lives on it, those who have lost their lives in consequence of it, and who have been permanently changed by their experiences from it. Tonight, I would like to remember our friends and neighbors: Susan MacKay, James Hayden and Sgt. William Woitowitz.
I did not have the privilege of knowing Susan, James or Bill. However, these were highly regarded individuals who have inspired moving online tributes, and I would like to remember them in the words of those who knew them best, perhaps including some here tonight.
Susan MacKay was 44 on that fateful day. She was a Vice President at TJX companies. She left behind a devoted husband, Doug and two children, Matthew, then 13 and Lauren, then 8. Doug recalled that Susan had been looking forward to that trip to Los Angeles all summer. She loved the travel part of her job. There is now a scholarship at Westford Academy in her memory.
Consider the thoughts shared by her friends and colleagues:
She loved her job, but she was so excited about having children. They were the highlight of her life. She loved to sew. Everything in the house, she made. The comforters, the pillows. She transformed her wedding dress in a christening gown for Matthew and Lauren. When her youngest sister got married, she made her wedding dress. – Nan Alphen.
I met Susan when I first moved back to Mass from Dallas in 1991. I worked with her at Marshall’s in Andover. From the moment I met Susan, she was as if an angel. She was a sweet, smart, caring woman. She spoke so highly of her husband Doug. When she spoke about him there was such a “sparkle ” in her eyes you knew then and there how much she adored him. I and other associates helped plan a baby shower for when she was expecting Lauren.
My children and I have been deeply saddened to hear she was on that flight. My prayers go out to Doug and his children. God bless. – Caroline Henderson
I worked with Susan at TJX. She was a wonderful and caring woman. She had a heart of gold. She was always bringing Lauren’s old shoes or clothes for my daughter Samantha. Most recently, Susan gave Samantha Lauren’s communion dress she had outgrown. Samantha will make her first communion next year, and she is old enough to know the special meaning of wearing that beautiful dress. When Samantha was 3, she stood on Susan’s desk while Susan fixed her dance costume. Samantha is now 7, but she still remembers that moment. Cherish the memories you have. Susan will always be your wife and your mom. No one can take that away. I pray that you will find peace, strength, and happiness again. I know Susan would want that. God bless all of you. – Doreen Keville
I went to college with Susan. She loved the fashion industry. She was a role model to many of us. It was no surprise to learn that she was a VP at TJX.I think about her often, not only on September 11. – Donna Resten
James Hayden was 47. He was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Netegrity, Inc. He is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Elizabeth, and two children then in their late teens, John and Elizabeth.
His wife remembered that while he was determined and focused at work, he rarely talked about it at home. Rather, he was a good listener, helping to solve the everyday issues that concerned his children. The family ate dinner together very night. James liked to cook on weekends, he sought out new restaurants, and he was adventurous in trying exotic foods when he traveled. Elizabeth remembered that ‘he made me feel like I was 18. I loved that.’
Consider these memories of James:
I was a tech securities analyst who followed Netegrity and I knew Jim well. I think of him and his family frequently and he remains in my thoughts and prayers to this day. God bless his wife and children who he spoke of fondly and loved enormously. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. – Heather O’Loughlin Green
Jim was one of the few people I know who really had his ” house in order”. He was a great visionary who was one of a kind. Yes he had extensive knowledge that prepared him for his CFO role. He also had a personality and people skills that made him calm in a crisis, a great listener and thinker when tough decisions had to be made, and a great leader when people needed to be guided and encouraged to get things done and done well. It was obvious; he was a great father and husband. It gave me great joy to hear that he had recently spent quality time with his family on vacation and touring potential colleges with his son. – Gale Hanson
I worked at Netegrity when I came to know Jim. He was always professional and always warm. He always knew how to get the best out of everyone at any given moment as he himself gave his best to all of us willingly and unselfishly. He was never too busy for anybody and did all that he could to help others. – Netegrity Employee
I am a security analyst who covers Netegrity, and I had no better friend in business than Jim. Whenever I had a financial question, I would call Jim. He always knew the answer and would take time to carefully explain it to me.
As I matured as an analyst, so did my appreciation for Jim. He was never too busy to talk, never too full of himself to not listen, and never, ever condescending.
When I think of a guiding hand on the rudder of a ship in very stormy seas, I think of Jim. When I need an example of kindness, I think of Jim. It is hard for me to put into words the gratitude I felt for having known him. Jim was more than a friend to me, he was a living example of what is meant to never lose touch with what’s important in life. – Katherine Egbert
Sgt. William Woitiwicz, USMC died June 7, 2011 in combat in the Badghis province of Afghanistan. He was just 23, the son of Kevin J. and Rosemary (Labelle) Woitowicz. He was a 2007 graduate of Groton Dunstable High School, where he was involved in athletics and played on the basketball team.
Sergeant Woitowicz was a member of the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion where he served with distinction. He received several awards including the Purple Heart; Combat Action Ribbon; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and the NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his brother, Christopher Woitowicz and his sister, Amanda Woitowicz.
I really appreciated this line in the obituary. “He is also survived by his family of fellow marines.”
Consider the words of those who remember him:
I had the honor to serve with Billy at BMG. He was a great young man. I was much older than him, and yet he made me feel like everyone else. I enjoyed his company, and hope my two sons, which are close to his age, can be like him. I think of him often. – BMG Dustoff
I had the honor and privilege to work with Bill and his team for two weeks in Badghis Province. Bill was an awesome young man and an outstanding Marine. He and I rode dirt bikes and conducted operations together. Bill really enjoyed life and always had a positive attitude even during tough times. I will always remember him and his team forever in my heart and mind.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”. Isaiah 6:8
The call that each of our service men and women answer for each of us. Semper Fi, Marine. – Cpl A. U.S.M.C.
I had the good fortune of getting to know Billy for a short time when I coached his high school rec. basketball team in 2007. He was a terrific player and athlete, but more importantly, someone who always encouraged the lesser skilled players on the team to keep working hard. I admired his energy and positive attitude and knew he would become a leader. Very sorry to hear of his passing. – Tom Rosa
The Woitowicz family has always been there for others and have always been a loving caring family, and Billy is a shining example of that. Billy said “Actions speak louder than words.”…I think that says it all. God bless. – David Christiana and Family
Bill was a great man and his ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. When we all heard the news, our hearts dropped and the world just stopped, I thought it was just a dream. No words can heal the pain as we all feel the same; heavy hearted each day; time just stays. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten, as the Village will never be the same. When I look into the clouds, I will always see your smile, ear to ear and never a glare. Billy you truly are my hero! From the bottom of my heart thank you for your ultimate sacrifice! SEMPER FI – Shawn and the Girard family
I would like to close with a couple of personal thoughts. First, to those who have served our country, especially in Afghanistan, thank you. The past few weeks have not been kind to American interests, and there are those who now question the value of the sacrifices made there. They are wrong. For twenty years, you carried the fight to the enemy, prevented further attacks here and kept us safe. None of us can know whether ours is the life that you saved by averting another 9/11. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for that. I would also note that over 20 years, you nurtured an entire generation of Afghanis; a generation that gave their girls an education, that allowed their women to have careers and serve in government, that introduced something of the freedoms that we enjoy into their country. You planted the seeds and tended the crops. It is now up to that generation to decide if they will blossom and bear fruit.
Second, to all of us. In the days after 9/11, it became critically important to tell our family that we loved them. They still need to hear that. It became important to thank our first responders and those in our military for their service. They still deserve that thanks. It became important to re-connect with forgotten friends and relatives. They still want to hear from you. It became important to support others and to want involvement in the community. We still need each other. It became important to draw upon our faith, whatever form that might take. We still need that sense of devotion. It was important that we provided a united front, even if we didn’t agree on every issue. We need to be united again.
The events of 9/11 are painful memories, seared into who we are. We must never forget. We must never forget the lives and families of Susan MacKay, James Hayden and Sgt. Woikowitz. I hope that the tributes that I have shared of these amazing individuals illustrate the fact that they represented the best of us – devoted to families, service to others, faith and country. We owe it to them and the others who have lost their lives over the 20 year war on terror to once again live with the sense of community that we did on 9/12.
God bless us all.
Memorial Poem
Leslie Howard, President, Westford Historical Society and Museum
September 11th
by Kevin Powell
Might it be, as my mother said to me on this ugly, sinful day,
That the world is on its last go-round?
Hijacked wild birds strip the sky of its innocent morning breath
Steel towers crumple like playing cards on an uneven metal table
Unrehearsed screams we dare not hear leap from windows
Into the open, bottomless palms of God
I cannot stand to watch life reduce
Itself to powdery dust and soot lathering the devil’s inflamed mouth
But I am fixated on the television anyhow:
Is this what slavery was like?
Is this what the holocaust was like?
Is this what famine is like?
Is this what war is like?
Is this how you felt, dear mother, when King and the two Kennedys were killed?
I want to stitch up the sky, deny humans the right to fly
Cry until my tears have washed hatred
From the mildewed underarms of history
And I want to say to the firemen
Ah, yes, the firemen:
Your husband, your father, your brother, your uncle, your friend
Thank you for speeding to the end of
Your time and thank you for showing us that
Courage is a soul so unselfish it would
Scale a collapsing building to liberate a stranger
Even as your blood relatives wonder if you are alive-
From the remains of this madness
I detect a heartbeat called life
From the remains of this madness
I smell an aroma called love
From the remains of this madness
I embrace a body called humanity
From the remains of this madness
I construct a dream called hope
From the remains of this madness
I will ride the wings of the deceased
Into the clouds, scribble their names on the sun,
Erect a memorial to the moon, chant the blues
For New York City, then resurrect a world
Where a new-born rose will jut through the broken concrete.
(November 2001)
Remarks and Closing Prayer
Rev. Rebecca Lockwood. First Parish Church United
The reading of names of the deceased. James Hayden, Susan McKay and 206 NAMES of Massachusetts residents
(Leslie and Linda distribute and light candles)
Patti Mason, Westford Remembers
Barry Greene, Westford Historical Society Board Member
Kelly Ross, Westford Historical Society Board Member
Judy Ramirez, Westford Remembers
Moment of Silence (extinguish candles)
Closing
Nancy Cook, Westford Remembers
206 Massachusetts lives lost September 11, 2001
Susan McAleney Mackay, Westford MA
Robert Pattison