Here is a BIO of Collman Nee, Immediate Past National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans who will be delivering an address at the 5pm ceremony, CLICK HERE.
Various Ceremonies – Memorials – Commemorations Taking Place in Gardner Friday, September 11, 2026
| 8:46am: The Bells of Holy Rosary Church will toll 25 times to commemorate the moment of the first attack. Mr. Don Robinson will be hand tolling the bells because the mechanism for the bells is still inoperable after it was struck by lightning several years ago. |
| 10am: Fire Marshall Ordered Memorial for all Fire Departments in Massachusetts 9:55 A.M. – Apparatus roll out of bays to appropriate location in front of station. 10:00 A.M. – All available fire department personnel and any guests assemble at attention in front of apparatus and maintain silence. Ring Bell 5 – 5 – 5 – 5 (4 sets of 5 chimes each) Lower station flag to half-mast 1 minute of complete silence Prayer by Gardner Fire and Police Chaplain, Fr. Tim Crellin, Pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church followed by Firefighters’ Prayer. Ring Bell 5 – 5 – 5 – 5 Raise Flag Return to service |
| 5pm – The City Ceremony will be held at Monument Park at the band stand. Similar to the ceremony that was held for the 20th Anniversary. I expect this to be around a half hour. Welcome – Mayor Mike Nicholson Presentation of Colors- Boy Scouts Troop 9 Bell Ringing – GFD Pledge of Allegiance National Anthem- Genesis Franco, GHS Student Invocation – Rev. Katie Kamenski Remarks- Representative Zlotnik Remarks- Mayor Nicholson Address – Collman Nee, Immediate Past National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Benediction – Fr. Tim Crellin God Bless America – Genesis Franco, GHS Student |
| 6pm: Acadien Club and Elks Events Acadien Club: 6pm doors open 6:15pm Memorial Ceremony 6:30 Benefit Concert for first responders Elks Lodge: 6pm: Doors Open 7pm: Benefit Concert for first responders |