Groton, Mass. — On Sept. 10 and 11, the on-campus Lawrence Academy community took time to commemorate, memorialize and — for some — remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Twenty-five years ago … tragedy struck the United States when hijacked planes hit the Twin Towers in New York City,” wrote First Responders Club member Tommy Paone ’27 to the community. “The nation was shaken as the news spread rapidly across the country.

“People from all walks of life came together to offer support, help, and comfort to those affected by the attacks,” he continued in Thursday's email. “Firefighters, police officers, and volunteers worked tirelessly at Ground Zero to rescue survivors and assist in the recovery efforts.”

In solidarity with all affected by “9/11,” students, staff and faculty stopped on the Quad to hear the Schoolhouse bell ring at 8:46 a.m. (timed with the moment the first plane hit the World Trade Center’s North Tower in New York). The bell rang 25 times to honor the 25th anniversary, rung by the LA First Responders Club.

Meanwhile, Paone also reminded the community that the day’s youngest victim was from Groton, Mass.

“Her name was Christine Lee Hanson. Christine was 2 years old and was on her way to Disneyland with her parents when the second plane [their plane] struck the South Tower," wrote Tommy. “Her grandmother, Eunice Hanson, gave Christine a Peter Rabbit teddy bear to commemorate her birth in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. Christine brought her Peter Rabbit everywhere she went.

“Although there are a number of memorials for Christine and her family, several are located in Groton,” added Paone. “One is at the end of Painted Post Road in the roundabout where the Hanson family lived. It was created by neighbors within weeks of September 11. The closest memorial is just behind the playground behind Loomis dormitory, near the flagpole. Members of the First Responders Club will be placing flowers to signify remembrance next to the memorial.

“So, on your way in or out of assembly Friday morning, please stop by the Library desk and pick up a sticker of Peter Rabbit, and keep Christine, her family, and the many other lives lost that day in your thoughts,” concluded Paone.

Tommy also reminded the community, “if it’s clear out over the next few nights, take a peek out toward the Northern sky … you might just be able to catch a glimpse of the two beams of light shooting up from the top of Mount Washington!”