TURNERS FALLS — A day never forgotten, remembered again.

On Sept. 11, 2001, the world was shocked by four coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people and injured thousands more. That morning, the Muslim militant group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airlines and forcibly crashed two into the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon and the last one into a field in Pennsylvania.

On Wednesday, communities around the country, including Turners Falls, gathered to honor and remember the fallen. The Montague Police Department, Turners Falls Fire Department and Montague Center Fire Department, alongside community members and the Turners Falls High School Student Council, gathered for a ceremony outside the Montague Public Safety Complex.

“Twenty-three years ago a senseless act of terrorism killed 2,996 innocent victims, including 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers. Over 6,000 people were injured that day,” said Turners Falls Fire Chief Todd Brunelle.

“Hundreds of first responders gave their lives trying to save the lives of so many innocent victims,” Montague Police Lt. Christopher Bonnett added. “As everyone was running away from danger, public safety responders were running toward danger to save lives.”

Bonnett said that in recognition of their courage and sacrifice, the nation has vowed to never forget what occurred that day, and will never forget the fallen heroes and victims.

“It means an awful lot to see you here,” Brunelle said to the small crowd of attendees. “One of the things mentioned here today was that after the events on Sept. 11, 2001, many Americans vowed to never forget. It’s been 23 years and having you here today remembering helps us not forget.”

He added that the effects of 9/11 are still felt today, through the service members still fighting the War on Terror at home and abroad, and those who were on the ground during that world-changing day, who still struggle with their physical and mental health.

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“The effects of that day are so wide-stretching,” Brunelle said. “So when we say ‘Never forget,’ I plead with you to please remember that. Think of the individuals who had no idea what they were walking into that day, but gladly and proudly stepped into danger.”

Wednesday’s remembrance ceremony included a moment of silence and lowering of the flag, as well as readings of the Firefighters’ Prayer and Police Officers’ Prayer.

Similarly, in Greenfield, a crowd gathered around the 41 Main St. Fire Station on Wednesday morning to honor and remember the first responders who died either at or because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The roughly 12-minute ceremony featured a moment of silence, a lowering of the flag to half-staff and the ceremonial tolling of the bells. Greenfield’s ceremony also featured a reading of the Firefighters’ Prayer.

“Little did anybody know that that was going to be the day that changed the fire service and the country,” Greenfield Fire Chief Robert Strahan said. “I’m honored to stand here year after year, 23 years later, to recognize and remember the sacrifice that our public safety folks have made. We will never forget the sacrifice of the firefighters, the EMTs, the police agencies, everybody else that perished that day, and everybody else that assisted at Ground Zero who are now gone.”

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com. Anthony Cammalleri contributed reporting.