Sept. 11--SALEM, NH -- Some 200 to 300 motorcyclists will stream along I-495 and I-93 next week to give a 9/11 memorial exhibit a hero's welcome during its first visit to New England.
The 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit was created by the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation to give people a sense of what first-responders experienced on Sept. 11, 2001. Siller ran from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the twin towers to join his fellow New York City firefighters after the terrorist attack, but was killed when the towers collapsed.
"People will be able to see things first-hand, talk to someone who was really involved with the response. I think attendees see the sense of community," said Cindi Woodbury, who is a part of the local group bringing the exhibit to Salem from Sept. 19 to 23.
Visitors are led through the collection of images, videos and artifacts by retired New York City firefighters who responded to the scene of the attacks 16 years ago. The 1,000-square-foot exhibit is contained in a mobile 53-foot tractor-trailer that travels across the country.
To commemorate the exhibit's arrival, organizers are asking residents and nearby motorcyclists to welcome the exhibit as it passes from Massachusetts into New Hampshire.
It will leave its first New England stop in Connecticut on Sept. 18 and drive through Lowell, where organizers are planning to have motorcyclists start their convoy at 1 p.m.. The convoy will end its journey at the Mall at Rockingham Park.
"We're trying to make people feel like they're part of the exhibit. Its history," Woodbury said. "It gives people an opportunity to share something. There are people who might not be able to travel to New York to see where this all happened."
The exhibit's visit is taking on extra meaning as President Trump prepares to send additional troops to the war in Afghanistan, which has become the longest war in U.S. history.
"If we don't keep it in the forefront of why we're in Afghanistan, then the younger generation won't understand it," said co-organizer Pat Hargreaves. "My oldest grandchild is 10, he understands the significance about the American flag, but he really doesn't understand what happened at 9/11."
There is no admission fee. The exhibit is costs more than $20,000 to bring to Salem, so donations are welcome and can be made by contacting [email protected].
Any and all motorcyclists are welcome to join the escort by meeting at the Showcase Cinemas at 32 Reiss Ave. in Lowell at noon Sept. 18. More information and updates about the motorcycle escort is available on the event's Facebook page.
Here are events happening Monday to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks:
ANDOVER
A brief ceremony honoring 9/11 victims will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall on Bartlet Street. For more information, call 978-623-8381.
HAVERHILL
A flag ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Haverhill High School.
Around 9:45 a.m., a ceremony will be held at the 9/11 monument at the city's Firefighter Museum, 75 Kenoza Ave.
LAWRENCE
A 9/11 remembrance will be held near a large mural dedicated to firefighters who died in the terrorist attacks. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at Ladder 4, 71 South Broadway, near the Falls Bridge. All are welcome to attend.
METHUEN
A remembrance ceremony will be held at Central Fire Station, 24 Lowell St., beginning at 9:55 a.m.
The event will be held outside, at the Firefighters' Memorial Monument, weather permitting. Otherwise it will be held on the apparatus floor of the fire station.
NORTH ANDOVER
The Fire Department will hold a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday in front of Town Hall, 120 Main St.
DERRY
The Central Fire Station, near the traffic circle, will hold a brief memorial observance at 8 a.m. The ceremony includes bagpipes and a wreath-laying.
Pinkerton Academy's Air Force JROTC will conduct an observance at the flag pole in front of the Pinkerton Building at 7:30 a.m., ending at approximately 7:55 a.m. Faculty, staff, teachers and students are welcome. In case of inclement weather, the observance will be held in the Shepard Auditorium at the same time.
LONDONDERRY
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is featured speaker in Londonderry for a 9/11 memorial service at Central Fire Station, 280 Mammoth Road. The service begins at 8:30 a.m.
PLAISTOW
A ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at Town Hall, 145 Main St.
WINDHAM
A ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Fire Department, 3 Fellows Road.
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