Framingham and TJX Cos. reflect on ‘17 souls lost’
The retail company honors its employees aboard Flight 11
Twenty years after 9/11, Framingham continues to remember 17 lives lost in the terrorist attacks — including seven employees of the massive retail company TJX who were on Flight 11 when it crashed into the towers.
“We have honored, every single year, the souls that we have lost in 9/11 — all 17 of them,” Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer said.
The city has dedicated an area of Cushing Memorial Park to the 17 victims who have ties — either through residency or work — to Framingham. Each person has a tree planted, with a plaque in their name.
Among the plaques is Neilie Anne Heffernan Casey, a Wellesley woman who was aboard Flight 11 on a work trip for TJX. The 32-year-old had recently become a mom for the first time.
Casey was on a work trip with six other female associates of TJX, a retail giant with world headquarters in Framingham.
“Twenty years ago, TJX was profoundly impacted by the heartbreaking events of Sept. 11, 2001. We lost seven beloved and vibrant associates that morning, whose spirits continue to live in our hearts today,” the company said in a statement to the Herald.
In 2002, the company created a 9/11 memorial garden at its headquarters where employees are invited to reflect in “a special sanctuary for quiet reflection and contemplation,” according to a spokesperson.
Framingham will hold a series of events for the 17 victims at Cushing Memorial Park Saturday, beginning with a vigil at 7:58 a.m. A full ceremony including reflections, a prayer offering and a flag ceremony will take place at the park at 10:30 a.m.
Friday, first responders and local volunteers planted American flags in the field across from the 9/11 memorial to mark the lives lost 20 years ago.
“We do this for them, and we do this for the first responders. This is really their day as well,” Framingham Parks and Recreation Superintendent Elaine Prue said.
The list of 9/11 victims with ties to Framingham includes: Neilie Heffernan Casey, Barbara Keating, Linda George, Lisa Fenn Gordenstein, Meta Fuller Waller, Laura Lee Morabito, Tara Shea Creamer, Charlie Murphy, Paige Farley Hackel, Judith Larocque, Todd Hill, Christine Barbuto, Susan MacKay, Herbert W. Homer, John J. Wenckus, Robin Kaplan, and Darin H. Pontell.