Canton Marks the Ten-Year Anniversary of 9/11

Ten years have passed since terrorists hijacked planes that crashed in New York City, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. But the town of Canton, like most towns in the United States, has not forgotten the victims of .

Today, the to all of the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. At , the granite structure will ensure that the town will never forget. 

A special plaque will honor former Canton resident Michael Uliano, who died in the attacks on .

"He was a dear, dear personal friend," Board of Selectmen Chairman and fellow Canton High School Class of 1978 member John Connolly said. "It's a tribute to Michael, to remember forever."

"Twenty years from now, 30 years from now, people can't forget what happened," he said.

Not having a 9/11 memorial in the town has been "eating me away for some time," Connolly said. "We wanted to make this for some time and the timing was appropriate. It was a town project."

The 9/11 town memorial committee, made up of Architect Greg Pando, Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, Building Commissioner Ed Walsh, Veterans Agent Tony Andriotti, Selectmen Chairman John Connolly and Fire Chief Charles Doody, worked together to create the monument.

The gray, granite structure features two bronze plaques with the history of September 11. The plaques commemorate the date of the event, the history of the 9/11 attack and also honor Michael Uliano.

Connolly recalled Uliano, whom he graduated from grammar school, middle school and high school with.

He was a gifted actor and athlete, playing football for Canton High, he recalled. Canton High retired his number ten jersey a few years ago.

"He was always happy-go-lucky and easy going," he said of Michael.

The chairman remembered the last time he saw his friend.

Connolly went to Orleans, like he did every year, to rent a boat and fish. "As luck or fate would have it, my mate was Michael Uliano," he said of the random meeting. 

The pair spent eight hours together on the ocean, catching fish and catching up. "We had a lot of laughs," Connolly said. "He kept us entertained on the boat the whole day."

Today, the town of Canton will honor this CHS alum and Canton native, along with the nearly 3,000 other victims of the attacks, at this new place of honor. 

The 9/11 memorial is being dedicated with a special ceremony and unveiling at 8:45 a.m. at Canton Center Cemetery on Washington Street in Canton. A reception will follow. The public is welcome to attend.