Twelve Years Later, 9/11 Attacks Still a Vivid Memory for Residents

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, happened 12 years ago today. But for many, the memories of that tragic day remain vivid in their minds.

Woburn Police Sgt. Tim Donovan said he still recalls where he was on the day the a pair of planes crashed into the Twin Towers. Working a detail on Commerce Way, Donovan was stunned to hear the news, and eventually found himself in a room at the Red Roof Inn watching the scene unfold on television like much of the country.

Donovan said it’s hard for him to fathom what the police officers and firefighters went through in New York City that day 12 years ago.

According to the sergeant, the only positive to come from such tragedy was the new approach to training that officers took on in the aftermath of the attacks.

“Training-wise, we’ve all improved. Unfortunately it takes something like that for it to sink in,” said Donovan. “For law enforcement officers, it opened our eyes. We are the first responders, the first ones at the scene, and that’s just how it is. You have to be ready for anything.”

For Woburn residents, Wednesday marks the 12-year anniversary of the day the city lost one of its own. Bob Pattison, a Woburn native, perished in the attacks after he was unable to escape his 110th-floor office in the North Tower.

What do you recall from the day of the September 11 attacks? What emotions does this day evoke in you each year? Do you believe Woburn should create an annual event remembering the victims? Let us know in the comments section below.