The Recorder – First responders reflect on 9/11 with fair parade

GREENFIELD — No Franklin County Fair is complete without Sunday’s first responders parade.

This year’s parade fell on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and three other attacks across the country orchestrated by al-Qaida.

“9/11 carries a heavy burden of memory that we can never forget,” said Veronica Mard, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. “Those dead shall not die in vain.”

The parade was started before 2001, but since that year, the parade’s tone has shifted to commemorate the people lost on 9/11, said Erving Fire Chief Philip Wonkka.

The parade started on Main Street by the Post Office and ended at the fairgrounds. It included a mix of antique and new fire engines and police cruisers, marchers and a bicyclist. Departments from across the county and as far away as Agawam joined for the procession. However, many fire trucks were unable to take part because they were responding to a fire in Brattleboro, Vermont that called for mutual aid.

At the fairgrounds, a ceremony was held thanking the first responders of Franklin County, as well as the first responders at the 9/11 attacks.

“It’s always great to have this parade,” Wonkka said. “It’s a good day to have everyone get together.”

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.