Bagpipe skirls echoed around the Massachusetts State House this Sept. 11 afternoon as dozens of Boston Fire Department Honor Guard Members and the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums (GBFPD) players marched toward the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Erected in 2007, the bronze statue honors more than 17,000 active and retired firefighters as well as thousands of deceased firefighters.

“We stand in awe of their courage, their selflessness, their sacrifice,” said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. “Firefighters are the people we look to in our hardest moments and they’re always there to answer the call.” 

Healey also remarked on the significance of the date. 

“We think of the 343 New York firefighters who responded to the attacks that day,” she said. “We remember not only those who gave their lives that day, but so many who gave their lives in the days, weeks, months, and years after responding to that scene.”

Outside the State House’s gates, a collection of bystanders observed the event. 

“You have so much respect for the firemen,” said Michael Harrell, 50, who worked at a nearby shop. “They have to go into the buildings, no matter the circumstances.” While not personally knowing anyone who was killed on 9/11, Harrell said, “This is history, but it still hurts today.”

Jork Scheffczyk, 53, a tourist from Germany, was exploring the streets of Boston with his daughter when they heard the ceremonial bagpipes. “It’s great to be here and see that Americans honor these special people,” he said. “Firefighters are an important job here and all over the world.” 

The Honor Guard concluded the memorial service by reading the names of fallen firefighters and ringing the ceremonial bell: one ring for each name.