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The Foundation of Indian Americans New England organized a remembrance ceremony in Westborough, Massachusetts, on September 11, 2026, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
According to an FIA statement, the ceremony brought together Westborough firefighters, FIA New England members, and local residents to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001, attacks and honor the first responders who sacrificed their lives while saving others.
Capt. Craig Rossi and Lt. Gregory Doucet of the Westborough Fire Department attended the ceremony with members of their team.
“Their participation was especially meaningful as the community remembered the firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and other first responders who demonstrated extraordinary courage on September 11, 2001,” the statement said. “The presence of Westborough firefighters symbolized the continuing tradition of service and sacrifice carried forward by today’s first responders.”
The program began with a moment of silence and a prayer for peace and the departed, led by Dev Lingadevaru. The observance provided attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost and the families affected by the tragedy, the statement said. The prayer also honored those who entered the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon with courage and a commitment to saving others.
Sanjay Gokhale of FIA New England led the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. Community members and firefighters stood together to honor the United States and the values of “freedom, democracy, service, and unity” cherished by the community.
The ceremony also featured remarks by FIA Executive Director Jyoti Singh and Massachusetts State Rep. Manoj Chourasia. They reflected on the significance of the 25th anniversary and the importance of preserving the memory of September 11 for future generations.
“They highlighted the extraordinary courage of first responders, the resilience of the American people, and the importance of communities coming together across cultures and backgrounds,” the statement said.
The speakers emphasized that remembrance should inspire continued service, compassion, unity, and respect for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Organizers described a special wreath-laying ceremony led by three senior mothers, Sita Singh, Virginia Kota, and Sulabha Gokhale, as one of the “most touching” moments of the event.
The three women placed a wreath in memory of the victims and in honor of the first responders and others who lost their lives while serving others. Their participation represented mothers and families who understand the profound meaning of “sacrifice, courage, and loss,” according to the statement.
Members of the Indian American community, Westborough residents, and other community supporters attended the ceremony, reflecting FIA New England’s relationship with the communities it serves.
The commemoration was part of the organization’s continuing commitment to building bridges between communities and honoring “first responders, veterans, law enforcement, and public servants,” the statement said.
FIA New England also expressed its respect and gratitude to the victims, first responders, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, volunteers, and families whose lives were forever changed by the September 11 attacks.
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