September 11th Remembrance Ceremony (revised. 3-11-26)

I.       Overview

II.      Planning

III.     The Ceremony

IV.     After the Ceremony

V.      The Follow up Meeting

VI.     September 11th Background / Historical Information

VII.    The Striking of the "Four Fives"

VIII.   Ceremony Contingencies

IX.     Flag Protocol

X.      Links

XI.     Thanks

I. Overview 
The United States of America suffered a severe blow when attacked on September 11th, 2001. 
Thousands of lives were lost, including many in public safety.  
Whether individual fire, police or EMS organizations choose to have an annual remembrance is, of 
course, their decision. What we hope to do is to present a basic plan to do a simple remembrance 
ceremony each September 11th. It shows all the steps needed - before, during, and after.  
We are not suggesting that the ceremony described here is the only one that is possible. Some 
organizations have remembrance ceremonies on a much larger scale. All we are trying to do is make it 
as easy for any organization, especially those who have stopped, or even never had a remembrance 
ceremony, to have one.  
The planning calendar begins with June 11th (three months before September 11th) up to the day of 
the ceremony, and the days after. We provide information for contingencies (unable to find someone to 
play Taps, find a bell to toll the four-fives, inclement weather), military protocol (flag raising, military 
commands), and background / historical information about the September 11th attacks.  
As the years go by we might forget the supreme sacrifice made by many. Time, after all, does make us 
forget. We know what happened that day, we can only try to remind others.  
(Note: this document was originally written for a Remembrance Ceremony in 2006. See section XI. 
“Thanks” for more information.) 
II. Planning 
June 11th - Three Months before September 11th Remembrance Ceremony 
This is the most important date - the decision of whether, or not a September 11th Remembrance 
Ceremony will be held.  
Some areas to be discussed:  
● will it be a simple ceremony for department members only, a major ceremony with invited guests, full 
news coverage, or something in between? 
● will other public safety organizations, military and military support organizations (VFW, American 
Legion, etc.) be invited to be part of the ceremony? 
● will relatives and friends of public safety and military members killed in the attacks be invited to 
speak, if that is their desire? 
● will other fire departments be involved? Having a regional ceremony may be best. More personnel 
to do the various tasks, and a higher probability of attendance by the media and desired speakers. The 
ceremony begins at 9:45am – one person can only be at one place at one time.  
● if a regional ceremony, consider the Color Guard be comprised of one member from each 
participating department. 
● who will be invited? The public? The press? Community cable TV? 
● consider having the ceremony at a large outdoor venue, possibly a school sports stadium. 
● what are the logistical concerns - place for ceremony, available parking, collation, etc.  
TASK ASSIGNMENTS:  
● coordinator / facilitator  
● Taps player(s)  
● bell ringer  
● flag raiser / lowerer  
● officer to give commands  
● clergy / prayer reader(s)  
● photographer  
● publicity (public information officer)  
● collation supervisor  
● scribe – there’s a lot going on – document. 
Keep an accurate log throughout the process of who you spoke to regarding permissions and 
participation in the program. Include contact information so you can confirm participation, etc. later. 
Also, this log can be a helpful starting point in the planning process for future years. 
Of all tasks listed above, perhaps the most important is the first listed - coordinator / facilitator. It is 
suggested that two people be assigned this task. Each year one is replaced so there is an overlap of 
experience, plus redundancy if one person is not available at a given time (based on the nature of the 
fire service). This position keeps track of assignments, re-allocates resources, and basically keeps the 
projects(s) on track. The meetings leading up to the actual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony 
become progress reports. At this first meeting the scope of the ceremony, and what it will take to have 
that ceremony is determined.  
● are permissions needed for use of the ceremony area, parking, raising / lowering the flag, etc.  
● how will the ceremony be publicized? For a list of potential methods see "Getting the Message Out", 
below.  
● will a program be given out at the ceremony? What will it say? Who will produce the program? 
Based on the above a schedule must be developed listing each action, the time it starts and who does 
it.  
Contingencies and backups are suggested for a number of functions (Also see "September 11th 
Ceremony Contingencies", below)  
● Taps - if a live person (or persons) is not available. 
● bells - if a bell is not available consider the use of a church bell, or use the recorded version on 
YouTube (“The Four Fives”)  
● inclement weather – consider what to do if it rains.  
This is also a good time to carefully look at the flag that will be used in the ceremony. Is it in good 
condition? If not, it must be replaced. After it is replaced refer to disposal of American flags as stated in 
the US Flag Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(k): "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no 
longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning"  
Is there another flag available to use instead of the existing one that has added significance (possibly a 
flag that has flown in a war zone) (Also see "Flag Protocol", below)  
Getting the Message Out 
Listed below are some methods to announce the September 11th Remembrance ceremony.  
● Community Cable TV  
● Direct Mail  
● Community meals (Ham & Beans supper, Meals on Wheels, etc.)  
● Newspapers  
● News Releases to town officials, veterans groups (VFW, etc.), fraternal organizations (Moose, etc.)  
● Fire Department Open House  
● Posters at strategic locations (super markets, department stores, library, post office, town offices, 
etc.)  
● School Newsletter  
● Town Meeting report  
● Town activities (Old Home Day, Church Fair, etc.)  
● Verbal - firefighter to other firefighters and to civilians  
● Social media – Twitter, Facebook, etc. 
● Fire Department Blog  
● Fire Department Website  
● Town Website  
● Town Bulletin Board 
● Email 
● Senior Center Newsletter  
● Electronic message board 
July 11th - Two Months before September 11th Remembrance Ceremony 
At this meeting the coordinator / facilitator provides a progress report. Adjustments are made, as 
necessary.  
Detail planning takes place. For example, if Taps are played by a local high school student (which is 
what we did), do we have to make a formal request to the school administration? Do we have to 
provide transportation, to and from the event for the student(s)?  
Has permission been received for parking, collation area, etc.? 
This is also a good time to discuss contingencies. The fire service is very resourceful at emergencies. 
We can try to anticipate possible problems, and plan alternatives.  
Do all department members have a uniform for the ceremony? Do they fit? Are pieces missing (cap, 
dress shirt, etc.) 
If the "Four Fives" are to be done via a fire truck bell, what if that truck is unavailable? One might be 
tapping out the four fives on a church bell. Another may using the recording of the four fives on 
YouTube (“The Four Fives”).  
The same is true of the playing of Taps. Some options are using a downloaded version of Taps, a Taps 
player (s) from a Veteran’s group or from Bugles Across America.  (See VIII. Ceremony 
Contingencies) 
This is a good time to review the methods that have been chosen to get the message out. Is it clear 
who is going to be notified, when this is to happen, and who is to do the notifying?  
Each step of the ceremony must be scrutinized so that there are no surprises!  
August 11th - One Month before September 11th Remembrance Ceremony 
The progress report from the coordinator / facilitator at this meeting (hopefully) is that all assignments 
have been made; permissions (if necessary) have been received; a bell has been secured; Taps 
player(s) have been secured (and transportation arrangements made for them if necessary); and all 
other details checked out.  
Review the "getting the message out" section to see if all notifications have been made and determine 
who might be meeting with department representative (such as public information officer) after the 
ceremony to discuss the ceremony.  
The fact sheet that the department representative (public information officer) will distribute after the 
ceremony is developed here.  
This is a good time to do a desk top walk through of the entire ceremony. Does everyone know exactly 
what they do and when they do it? This is also a good time to review the section on military protocol 
regarding flag raising and commands. It is strongly suggested that a script be written which includes 
times, actions, and persons performing actions.  
Next, go to the ceremony location and actually go through the entire ceremony (with simulation of 
raising the flag to half-staff). The ceremony should be rehearsed until everyone is comfortable. 
Adjustments, if necessary, can be made and a final script written.  
Review the contingencies section (see below) as it discusses downloading Taps, the four fives and 
inclement weather.  
This is also probably a good time to schedule the meeting after the ceremony. This meeting will critique 
the ceremony - what went good (hopefully everything), what didn't, feedback from the community, and 
the plan for the first meeting for the next year.  
September 4th - One Week before September 11th Remembrance 
Ceremony 
At this point all preparation has been done, and the purpose of this meeting is to make sure that 
everything and everyone is on track.  
CHECKLIST: 
● verify that everyone knows their task, and the time that their task begins.  
● double check with external individuals and organizations to verify their actions / representation / 
presence.  
● verify that all equipment works - P.A. system, downloaded Taps or the Four Fives, etc. 
● If a program has been prepared, who will distribute it?  
Based on the nature of our business, it might also be a good time to verify each assignment has a 
backup (wherever possible).  
September 10th - One Day before September 11th Remembrance Ceremony 
Last check for everything. Hope for no calls tonight so that everyone has a good night's sleep.  
September 11th 
CHECKLIST:  
● Have all trucks been pulled onto apron, or other designated location?  
● Does all equipment work (electrical, etc.)  
● Will refreshments be ready after the ceremony at the collation?  
● Is everyone present and do they know their times and assignments?  
● Are Taps players at assigned locations?  
● Have guest speakers (if any) been advised of their speaking order?  (Note: It is strongly suggested 
any proposed speaker be thoroughly vetted and verified to confirm that he/she was a member of 
the FDNY or any other organization – NYPD, military, etc. Sadly, there have been many 
imposters over the years.  For any questions, or requests for the FDNY, please email 
25Anniversary@fdny.nyc.gov 
● Is the Public Information Officer ready to speak to the press at the conclusion of the ceremony?  
● Does anyone (such as the Taps players) need a ride back home, or to school.  
Good Luck!! 
III. The Ceremony 
9:45 A.M. (Eastern Time) - Apparatus roll out of bays to appropriate location  
9:50 A.M. - Uniformed Fire, Police, EMS and Military personnel assemble at a point in front of station 
flag, assembled in one or more rows facing the flag, under the direction of the Commanding Officer  
9:58 A.M. Commanding Officer: "the tolling of the bell 5 times, with 4 repetitions, represents how the 
New York City Fire Department, FDNY, announced the line of duty death of a firefighter"  
9:59 A.M. - TIME OF SOUTH TOWER COLLAPSE  
Bell tolled    5 – 5 – 5 – 5  
Commanding Officer: "ATTEN HUT, HAND SALUTE"  
Lower station flag to half-staff (if flag is already at half-staff it is lowered fully, then raised to half-staff) 
when "raising" a flag to half-staff is to "raise to full height briskly, then lower to half-staff ceremoniously  
Flag tied off, operator salutes 
Commanding Officer: “READY TWO”, we will have 1 minute of silence  
Taps played  
Taps played at distant location (echo)  
Commanding Officer: “AT EASE”  
Clergy: Oh God, we remember before you this day our brothers and sisters lost on September 11, 
2001. We thank you for their example of courage and sacrifice. In your boundless compassion, console 
their families, friends, co-workers and all who mourn their loss. Give us faith to see in death the gate of 
eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our journey and serve with honor, dignity and 
courage.  
Refrain: AMEN.  
Firefighter: When I am called to duty, wherever flames may rage, give me the strength to save a life, 
whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the 
horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put 
the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect 
his property. And if according to God’s will, I must answer death’s call, bless with your protecting hand, 
my family, one and all. 
Refrain: AMEN. 
Bell tolled    5 – 5 – 5 – 5  
Commanding Officer: "ATTEN HUT, HAND SALUTE"  
Station flag raised (if it was at half-staff prior to ceremony it is raised fully, then lowered to half-staff).  
Commanding Officer: "READY TWO"  
Brief comments from fire department official  
Brief comments from police department official  
Brief comments from EMS official  
Brief comments from military official  
Brief comments from public official  
Commanding Officer: "Thank you for attending our September 11th Remembrance Ceremony".  
If applicable, commanding officer then invites all to attend the collation.  
IV. After the Ceremony 
It is anticipated that the media will ask questions after the ceremony. Avoid any political questions, and 
explain that today is about remembering those who died that day. The P.I.O., or other department 
representative, should have an information packet available for distribution. Some of the items that 
might be included are: 
● the fact sheet that the department representative (public information officer) has developed 
● information from September 11th Background / Historical Information (below) 
● how FDNY adjusted to the loss of the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center, the 
subsequent retirement of many members of the department, the emotional and physical toll the attacks 
took on FDNY survivors. 
● the on-going death of FDNY members, the result of their involvement in the search for the remains in 
the months following the attack. 
● how your local department honors the memory of those killed on 9/11 and the promise to “Never 
Forget” 
● if someone in your local fire / EMS/ police was directly inspired to pursue this career because of Sept 
11th would like to share their story? 
● if anyone at the ceremony has a connection to the FDNY / NYPD / Port Authority / NYC, or who lost a 
family member on September 11th. If so, would they like to share their story?  
V. The Follow-up Meeting 
This meeting, held soon after the Remembrance Ceremony, serves a number of functions:  
● thanking all who were involved in the Remembrance Ceremony. Perhaps a gift (department patch or 
tee shirt) or a certificate of appreciation to civilians who helped with the ceremony. 
● a critique of the ceremony – what went right, what went wrong, what could have been done better?  
● the beginning of the planning process for next year's ceremony.  
VI. September 11th Background / Historical Information 
The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks upon the United States on 
September 11, 2001. 
The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health 
consequences, in addition to at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. It was the 
deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law 
enforcement officers in the history of the United States.  
On that morning, 19 Islamist terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial passenger jet 
airliners. The hijackers intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World 
Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and many others working in the buildings. 
Both buildings collapsed within two hours, destroying at least two nearby buildings and damaging 
others. The hijackers crashed a third airliner into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed into a field 
near Shanksville in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania, after some of its passengers and flight crew 
attempted to retake control of the plane, which the hijackers had redirected toward Washington, D.C. 
There were no survivors from any of the flights.  
The United States responded to the attacks by launching a "War on Terrorism", invading Afghanistan to 
depose the Taliban, who had harbored al-Qaeda terrorists, and enacting the USA PATRIOT Act. Many 
states also strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded law enforcement powers. Some 
American stock exchanges stayed closed for the rest of the week, and posted enormous losses upon 
reopening, especially in the airline and insurance industries. The destruction of billions of dollars’ worth 
of office space caused the economy of Lower Manhattan to grind to a halt.  
Cleanup of the World Trade Center site was completed in May 2002, and the Pentagon was repaired 
within a year. The construction of One World Trade Center began in November 2006, and the building 
opened in November 2014. Numerous memorials have been constructed, including the National 
September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington County, 
Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial at the Pennsylvania crash site. (Courtesy Wikipedia)  
VII. The Striking of the "Four Fives" 
Long before radios and voice alarm FDNY used the fire alarm telegraph system to announce the line of 
duty death of a firefighter. The signal 5-5-5-5 was transmitted over both primary and secondary circuits.  
When fire trucks became equipped with radios, the telegraph signal would be followed up with a radio 
announcement: "It is with regret that announcement is made of the death of ..."  
VIII. Ceremony Contingencies 
Audio of the Four Fives - 5-5-5-5 
If a bell is not available to ring at the ceremony, consider a church bell. The effect would be wonderful! 
The major concern is co-ordination. It would require communication between the ceremony site, and 
the bell ringer. It would also require instruction as to what the bell ringer would do - cadence, spacing.  
Another option is “The Four Fives” on YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqg4PhIZrAI 
Taps 
If a bugler is not available consider using one of the renditions on YouTube. Local Veteran’s 
organizations or Bugles Across America may be able to provide Taps players. To contact Bugles 
Across America go to their website:      
https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org 
Inclement Weather 
If necessary to move indoors most of the ceremony can be still be done.  
The one exception is that part of the ceremony where the flag is lowered to half-staff.  
The choices would be to salute an indoor flag, or use an outdoor flag (assuming that it is properly 
allowed to be displayed in inclement weather).  
IX. Flag Protocol 
Destroying Damaged American Flag:  
According to the United States Code, Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 8, "The flag, when it is in such 
condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, 
preferably by burning."  
If you feel uncomfortable disposing of your flag in this manner, contacting a local veteran's group in 
your area is suggested. These groups hold ceremonies to dispose of flags, and the group's members 
are quite capable of disposing of the flag in a dignified, lawful manner.  
Obtaining a New Flag:  
New flags may be obtained from a member of Congress, possibly a flag that has flown in a war zone. 
Remember that the flag is the symbol of our nation, be sure it is an American-made flag.  
American Flag Code:   https://www.ushistory.org/BETSY/flagcode.htm 
Displaying the Flag:   https://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html#display 
X. Links  
The FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation: assists the families of firefighters in their times of 
greatest need, in transporting firefighters, family members and department personnel to and from 
medical institutions both for care and family support.      
http://www.firefamilytransport.org 
Friends of Firefighters: Friends of Firefighters is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides 
independent, confidential, and free mental health counseling and wellness services to active and retired 
FDNY firefighters and their family members. https://friendsoffirefighters.org 
The FDNY Foundation: The official not-for-profit of the New York City Fire Department. The mission is 
to promote fire and life safety education and help the FDNY better protect New York.  
https://www.fdnyfoundation.org 
The UFA Widow’s and Children’s Fund: Distributes funds directly to the families of Fallen 
Firefighters.        
https://ufanyc.org/philanthropy/#donate 
XI. Thanks 
Many people helped to develop this. I'd like to think of my role as that of a facilitator, the real work was 
done by the people below. Thank you all.  
From FDNY: Honorary Chief of Department Jack Lerch, John Mulligan (FDNY Press Office), 
Jack Calderone, Ken Fisher, John Norman, Gary Urbanowicz, Commissioner Frank Dwyer, Chief 
Michael Barvels, Supervising Fire Marshal Bob Cashman. 
From the Fire Bell Club of New York: Barry Gintel, Ed Kelly, Dennis Whittem, and Jim Griffiths.  
From Massachusetts: John Davis, Chief Russ Hall, Chief Joe Flanagan, Chief Sam Richesson, Chief 
Michael Winn, Chief Dean Kochanowski, Chief Jack Chandler, Ric Plummer and Lt. Fred Cummings.  
For their encouragement and support: Chief Billy Goldfeder and Chief Jack Jansen (Columbia, SC FD).  
For reading and editing this document (many times), my wife Bonnie. For technical assistance, my son 
Michael Hoffman. 
I apologize if I left anyone out. Ira Hoffman, March 2026        
IraAtFsp@gmail.com 
Dedicated to the memory of Jack Duggan (1937-2013), FDNY Ladder 120